In the most anticipated regular season match-up this ACPBL season, the short-handed Beltway Bombers defeated the Hartford Lightning 114-108 in Maryland. Four Bombers players finished the night with double-doubles, led by reigning MVP and all-star Hugh Jones (6'5''-G/F-80),, who led the team with 38 points and 15 rebounds. Also, Rogers Barnes (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Morgan St.) scored 26 points and collected 10 rebounds, Jamaal Wise finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Cavell Johnson added 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Bombers also received solid contributions from Evan Martin, who had 15 points along with 4 assists, Dave Bailey, who added 11 points and 7 rebounds, and Steve Miles, who provided a timely 3 point shot, along with leadership and poise.

The Bombers competed with only seven players on the night and were in a back & forth battle with the Lightning most of the game. The Bombers played without 7-0 PF/C Travis Hyman (7'0''-F/C-87, college: Bowie St.), 6-7 F Antonio Haymon (6'7''-F-88, college: Lee), 6-10 PF/C Lawrence Felder, 6-7 Stacey Daniels, 6-2 G Myron Howe, and 5-9 G Camontae Griffin.

Coach Chaz was very frustrated all night with the Bombers poor free throw shooting (26 missed free throws). 'When you miss 26 foul shots at any level, your make it significantly more difficult to win any game. When your playing as talented a team as the Lightning, it's even more-so that you have to maximize every opportunity. You just can't leave points off the board missing that many free throws.' At one point, Coach Chaz was heard saying angrily to his players during a Bombers time-out that, 'pros make foul shots...do your job, be a pro and knock down your free throws.'

If the Bombers had converted on only half of their free throw attempts, the outcome could have been a 20-point spread. Missing them as they did allowed the Lightning to take a nine point lead going into the 4th quarter. Back-to-back buckets by Barnes and Jones early in the fourth quarter cut the Lightning lead to five points. With the Lightning focusing their defense on stopping Jones, it left dribble drive lanes and offensive put-back opportunities for assorted Bombers players to capatilize on.

Coach Chaz's game-plan going in was to close out quickly and take away air space to neutralize the Lightning 3 point shooting, while exploiting favorable match-ups on the offensive end. However, missing 26 free throws was not part of his plan. 'I expect my pro guys to knock them down, but it seemed like missing them became contagious throughout the team.'

The Bombers' final regular season game is Saturday night, April 21st against the Delaware Destroyers (Palimeri Jeans) at the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata, Maryland. The Bombers are looking to finish the season as the second overall seed for the ACPBL playoffs, which would begin next week. The Lightning will have their playoff game next week as well. Both the Bombers and Lightning playoff opponents will soon be determined.

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ALBANIA

Tirana wins SuperCup - by Eurobasket News

Tirana wins SuperCup in the country. The team edged Kamza Basket 103:89 to triumph in the game. Earlier Tirana won the Cup Title beating Basket Kamza 85:79 in the Final game. That time Genti Lasku (194-G-85) and Endrit Hysenagolli stepped up with 18 points each and Redi Vogli (195-G-87) added 16. Afrim Bilali replied with 17 points, while Algert Gjonaj added 19 points and 10 boards.

Penarol blasts Estudiantes in crucial Game Five, advances to Liga A Semis - by Eurobasket News

Penarol - Estudiantes 88-67 (3-2)

Penarol advanced to Liga A Semifinals. They handed 88-67 loss to Estudiantes in crucial Game Five of the Semis winning the series with 3-2. Marcos Mata (201-F-86) stepped up for the hosts with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Martin Leiva (207-F/C-80) had 17 points and 6 boards, while Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, college: William Carey) added 14 pts and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Jerome Meyinsse (206-F/C-88, college: Virginia) collected 21 points and 6 rebounds. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) (6 rebs) and Lucas Faggiano (187-PG-89, college: LIU Brooklyn) (8 rebs) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Penarol will meet Libertad in the Semis. It will be another best-of-five series. The first game is scheduled for April 25. Libertad will have the home court advantage in this series.

Quimsa have already started building the roster for the next season. They agreed in principal on terms of contract with Eduardo Villares (188-G-79). The guard spent the last season with Olimpico de La Banda. He averaged 11.3 points, 1.6 assists, 1.8 rebounds per LigaA game. In 2010/11 Eduardo Villares played for Regatas Corrientes. The guard delivered 10.0 points, 1.8 assists and 1.1 boards per Liga Americas game. In LigaA his stats read 11.6 points, 1.7 assists, 1.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per appearance. Eduardo Villares became Liga Americas champion with the team. Previously Eduardo Villares had stints with Juventud Sionista, Quilmes, Ben Hur, Central Enterriano, Puerto Madryn, La Union, Velez Sarsfield, Echague de Parana. He played in LigaA semifinals in 2009.

Larry O'Bannon replaces Lorrenzo Wade in Lanus - by Eurobasket News

Lanus strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Larry O'Bannon (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Louisville).. The guard is meant to replace Lorrenzo Wade (198-F-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego St.) on the roster. Larry O'Bannon is expected to debut for Lanus tonight when they face Regatas in the decisive fifth game of LigaA quarterfinals. Larry O'Bannon started the season in Argentina. He played for Boca Juniors Capital Feder. The guard notched 16.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in LigaA. Larry O'Bannon participated at LigaA All-Star Game. Previously the guard played in Venezuela, Israel, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Serbia. He made it into Eurobasket.com Serbian League All-Imports Team in 2006. Larry O'Bannon was also named into Bulgarian League All-Imports Team in 2008.

General Electric and AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League worked together to conduct a coaching clinic at Hoops Arena, Jakarta, Indonesia. About 30 kids between 13-16 years old showed up for the coaching clinic directed by Allan Salangsang, Rony Gunawan, Jerick Canda, Charlie Indra, and assistant coach Firman Mulyono from Indonesia Warriors.

'We are so proud that we can support AirAsia ABL. We have so many simlarities with the ABL in sharing information and knowledge about living healthy.Today, we are working with Indonesia Warriors to share with this kids on how to keep excelling in this sport,' said Indra Suardi, Country Manager in Indonesia for GE Healthcare, before the event. 'We hope by conducting this coaching clinic with Indonesia Warriors,we can inspire teenagers to excel in sports,' he added.

The Warriors players were focusing on the participants' basketball fundamentals like dribbling, passing, and defensive stands. The drills picked up after lunch break when the participants did 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 transition drills. Right after that drill, they went to play a game.One of the participants Raynaldo was excited about the opportunity to learn from these Warriors players. 'This is a great opportunity for me to learn from the best. I learned a lot today from these players. I wish they would have more coaching clinic out here. It's very good for the future of basketball in Indonesia,' said the 16 year old. At the end,Warriors' captain Rony Gunawan was giving trivia questions to the participants to win a couple of merchandises from the Warriors. The event ended with an autograph and photo session with all the players.

More Australians will watch iiNet NBL Championship games on free-to-air television next season as a result of a renegotiated partnership with TEN announced by the National Basketball League today.

More Australians and more fans of basketball will see games as a result of this new partnership, and at the end of the day, thats what its all about: giving our fans the chance to watch games on TV, including one blockbuster match each round played live nationally on TEN every Sunday afternoon, said Basketball Australia Chairman Kristina Keneally.

Ms. Keneally thanked NBL Commission Chair Justin Milne and the team at the NBL for listening to fans pleas for more live games and more games in better timeslots and thanked TEN for showing admirable flexibility and understanding in their partnership with the NBL.

The NBL confirmed today that the new agreement included:

One feature game will be broadcast live nationally every Sunday afternoon on TEN. During the months of October to the conclusion of February, the broadcast time will be live at 2:00PM nationally and live at 1:00PM nationally during March and April;

One game per week will be shown nationally on Friday evenings at the regular timeslot of 9:30PM on TENs digital channel ONE;

All NBL Finals games will also be broadcast on both TEN and ONE under the new deal, with TEN maintaining access to rebroadcast coverage of New Zealand Breakers 14 home games into Australia.

Basketball is a game of inches, but Game 1 was reduced to millimetres. Both teams asked a lot of questions and for the most part had the answers, before CJ CJ Bruton finally silenced the discussion in overtime.

Can the Wildcats execute down the stretch?In the first five minutes of the final quarter in Game 1, Perth Wildcats had seven possessions where they fed the low post and/or penetrated to create open shots, scoring 16 points in the process.

On their other three possessions they passed the ball around the perimeter before settling for three-pointers. They didnt score a solitary point.

In the final five minutes they had five perimeter-based possessions and three penetrations that didnt result in a score. Their only basket came from Matt Knight slipping the on-ball screen to score from the low post.

If Game 2 is tight the Wildcats need to find Knight in the block, or use Knight, Jesse Wagstaff and Shawn Redhage to slip the on-ball for high-percentage shots, rather than settling for jumpers.

How do you stop CJ CJ Bruton in crunch time?Three of CJ Brutons triples including both in overtime came after Cedric Jackson penetration. CJ Bruton craftily lost his defender as they turned their head, catching the extra pass and delivering the dagger.

Staying at home when Jackson drives and switching Dillon Bouchers screens and hand-offs are an absolute must.

Is Kevin Lisch unBreakerble? Lisch has averaged 23 points at 48 per cent from long range against New Zealand Breakers this season, and had nine of his 27 Game 1 points in overtime.

He toyed with the Breakers via the high on-ball screen, scoring 13 points when the big defender didnt step up to trap, and dishing out four assists when they did.

With Redhage nailing two triples from Lisch on-balls in the first quarter, New Zealand Breakers never found an effective way to defend it.

How do you deactivate Jackson?His pick-and-roll combination with Mika Vukona was crucial late, twice feeding Vukona with assists, finding him deep in the post on another occasion and seizing on a rare Damian Martin lapse to drive and score before the screen arrived.

Interestingly, Martin restricted Jackson from utilising the on-ball until those final minutes. Jackson had only created one assist and hit two triples when defended by Martin, most of his damage coming against Lisch or when the Wildcats switched screens.

Perth Wildcats must avoid switching whenever possible to keep Martin on Jackson. If they can restrict the amount of time he spends in the lane, the number of open Breakers shots significantly decreases.

Whos got the boards?Only eight of the games 24 offensive boards were due to missed box-outs, again emphasising the importance of staying at home or lightning-quick rotations.

New Zealand Breakers collected 37 per cent of rebounds at their offensive end and Perth Wildcats 36 per cent, as both teams defensive rotations opened up seams for rebounders.

Vukona grabbed a big rebound in overtime and was fouled collecting another despite being boxed-out, while New Zealand Breakers kept Perth Wildcats without an o-board for the final eight minutes and 34 seconds of the game as the Wildcats stagnant offence stopped creating gaps for their rebounders.

The wrapThe teams are 1-1 at Challenge Stadium this season and this battle is again a toss of the coin.

In Game 1, the Breakers shot better from the perimeter, won the boards, had more assists, more steals, less turnovers and executed with slightly more precision down the stretch.

A repeat will deliver them back-to-back titles, but many of those are effort areas where the Wildcats lift noticeably at home.

Azerbaijan confirm Niklas Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Maryland) in the National team roster. Levent Turknas, the President of the basketball Federation and Elhan Aliyev, the Main Coach of the team came back from Russia with positive news.Azerbaijan basketball federation was looking for the players who can reinforce the team prior to the start of EuroBasket 2013 Qualifying Round. They negotiated the participation of Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) and Niklas Caner-Medley in the tournament for Azerbaijan. The players have reportedly agreed to start the process of joining Azerbaijan National Team. Niklas Caner-Medley has joined Valencia at the start of the season. The forward tallies 18.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in EuroCup. In ACB his stats read 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance. Niklas Caner-Medley confirmed his participation for the National Team. Moreover Charles Davis (202-F-84, college: Alabama) probably will continue for the National team. The player is now with Banvit in Turkey averaging 15.0 points per game.

Second signing in a couple of days for Telenet Oostende. This time the return of one of their former players Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) who played there till the end of the 1999-2000 season. Lauwers then moved to France where he played for Le Mans, Cholet and Dijon. His last season in the French ProA league was 2003-2004. He then moved on to Itlay where he has played ever since. His first team there was Navigo Il Teramo. From 2005 till 2008 he played for Scafat (first lega2 then Serie A) and shortly for Bologna at the end of the 07-08 season. For the 08-09 season he resurfaced in Lega Due team Varese, who he also took to the lega 2 Championship like Scafati in 2006. As of 2009 he played for Avelllino before leaving some months ago.

Broyles' 32-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

29-year old swingman Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Spirou and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 29.He had the game-high 32 points adding four rebounds for Spirou in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Liege (#8, 8-17) in overtime 95-93. It allowed Spirou to consolidate first place in the Belgian league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Spirou has a very solid 19-7 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. In the team's last game Broyles had a remarkable ten three-pointers out of 18 attempts. He has many years of experience at Spirou, through which he has constantly improved. James Madison University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Broyles is in league's top in points (4th best: 14.8ppg) and averages solid 56.9% FGP and 49.5% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Dominic Waters (185-PG-86) of Liege. He is American guard in his first season at Liege. In the last game Waters recorded impressive 32 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Liege was edged in overtime by the higher-ranked Spirou (#1, 19-7) 95-93. Liege managed to keep the same 8th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-17 record. Waters is a newcomer at Liege and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another Spirou's star - center Andre Riddick (208-C-73). Riddick scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was another key player of Spirou, helping his team with a 95-93overtime win against the lower-ranked Liege (#8, 8-17). Spirou confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 19 victories and 7 lost games. Riddick has a very solid season. In 26 games in Belgium he scored 5.9ppg. He also has 4.4rpg, 1.8bpg and FGP: 63.4%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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BOSNIA

Siroki WWin extends winning streak to eight - by Eurobasket News

Round Eight of the Bosnian top division for men (League Six) was played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Siroki WWin registered another win for perfect 8-0 record. They cruised past Mladost (2-6) on the road 55-87. Coleman Collins (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech) shined with 17 points and 5 rebounds for Siroki, while Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) added 16 points and 6 assists. The second ranked Igokea had no troubles to beat Varda (3-5) 75-48 improving to 7-1 record. Milan Dozet (204-SF-79) scored 15 points for the winners and Nenad Sulovic (202-C-85) had 13 points, plus 7 rebounds. Igokea still hopes to beat Siroki in Round 10 and to take the first place before the Playoffs. In the last game of the round, Capljina outplayed Bosna 91-78. Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) exploded with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Jozo Brkic (211-F/C-86, agency: Interperformances) secured a great help with double-double of 16 points and 14 rebs. Varda 3-5, Bosna 1-7.Round 9 is scheduled for the next weekend.

Uberlandia recorded the first win in the series versus Tijuca. Robert Day (197-F-82, college: W.Oregon) unloaded 26 points to pace the hosts to a 73:59 success. The series is now tied at 1-1. Uberlandia led from the start as they grabbed an 18:10 lead ten minutes into the game. The hosts stretched the margin to 11 points at the interval 36:25. Tijuca however changed the complexion of the encounter in the third term. The visitors went on a rally that brought them within 2 points from Uberlandia. However the hosts reacted immediately and ignited a 25:13 run to seal the victory. Lucas Cipolini (206-F/C-86, college: BYU-Hawaii) posted 12 points, while Valtinho Silva (187-G-77) accounted for 10 points in the victory. Fernando Coloneze (207-C-78) delivered 14 points in the loss. Itabom/Bauru went 2-0 up on Liga Sorocaba. Fernando Fischer (190-G-81) knocked down 17 points to lead the hosts to an 83:71 win. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter as Itabom/Bauru enjoyed just a one-point lead 27:26. The hosts stretched the margin to 7 points at the interval 48:41. Liga Sorocaba refused to surrender as they trimmed the deficit and eventually pulled ahead for a narrow 62:61 lead. But Itabom/Bauru went on a stunning 22:9 run in the final frame and celebrated victory at the end. Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle) delivered 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Jeff Trepagnier (192-G-79, college: USC) nailed 15 points in the losing effort.

American center John Ofoegbu (206-C-84) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Tundja Yambol, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.The 27-year old player had a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, while his team outclassed Balkan (#6, 9-18) with 31-point margin 92-61. Tundja Yambol is placed at 3rd position in Bulgarian NBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Tundja Yambol will need more victories to improve their 17-10 record. Ofoegbu turned to be Tundja Yambol's top player in his first season with the team. Former Idaho State University star has very solid stats this year. Ofoegbu is in league's top in points (7th best: 15.5ppg), rebounds (4th best: 8.9rpg) and averages impressive 1.0bpg and 56.0% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was another Tundja Yambol's star - 32-year old former international guard Julian Radionov (188-G-79). Radionov had a very good evening with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Of course together with Ofoegbu he helped Tundja Yambol with another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Balkan (#6, 9-18) 92-61. This victory allowed Tundja Yambol to move up to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 17-10 record is not bad at all. Radionov is one of the most experienced players at Tundja Yambol and similarly like John Ofoegbu has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Croatian center Bruno Sundov (221-C-80, agency: Alti Sport) of league's top team Lukoil Academik. Sundov showcased his all-around game by recording 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Lukoil Academik, leading his team to a 87-53 easy win against the lower-ranked Chernomorets (#8, 3-24). Lukoil Academik confirms their top position in the standings Sundov has a very solid season. In 27 games in Bulgaria he scored 11.9ppg. He also has 5.6rpg and FGP: 70.4%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

One of the top returning players to the CBA this season was current ( as of this article) NBA player James Singleton. James who was on Xinjiang last season, switched teams, and signed with the Guandong Southern Tigers this season. James refined his game, and displayed more aspects of his game, such as shooting, ball handling and defense. We sat down with James Singleton, who currently plays for the Washington Wizards.

Q. You decided to come back to China after last season, what was the reason behind that?

James: Wouldn't really be a reason wanting to help my team win and gettting better

Q. You were on a different team this season in China, what did you think of this team vs last years team?

James: This years team was amazing. I had a great time with them. Everything about the team was amazing. From the coaching, to the players. I loved everything about the team and the city.

Q. You have had a tremendous amount of success in the NBA so far since you have been back with the Wizards, what do you attribute that too?

James: I credit it to a lot of different factors. Playing in the cba has helped me get past of things. From extremely bad calls, to physical and dirty plays against me. I've learned to adjust my game and my mindset to be able to score and surpass anything that any player or ref does to me. Nothing stops me now. I just keep playing.

Q. Do you still keep in touch with any of your Chinese team mates , past and present?

James: I try to i've sent a few text messages and emails to the guys.

Q. What are your plans after the NBA season?

James: After the nba season is over i'm gonna take a few days off just to let my body recover then i'm gonna get back in the gym and fine tune a few things and work on my ball handling, jumpers and post game.

Q. Lastly, do you see yourself coming back to China ?

James: There is a strong chance, but right now it's to early to tell..

Svendborg was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. It was a great evening for American guard Joshua Alexander (193-87, college: SF Austin) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 4 steals. The former international center Chris Christoffersen (218-79, college: Oregon) helped adding 9 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. The best for the losing side was American forward Matthew Kingsley (206-86, college: SF Austin) with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Durell Vinson (201-85, college: Wagner) scored 8 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Game Four - April 23. Svendborg will be the host.Top scorers:Bakken: J.Alexander 20+4reb+2ast, N.Iversen 12+10reb, C.Christoffersen 9+13reb+3ast, F.Nielsen 8+2reb+1ast, A.Jakobsen 6+2reb+5ast, M.Kristensen 5+1rebSvendborg: M.Kingsley 20+10reb, A.Darboe 15+4reb+1ast, C.Colman 9+3reb+4ast, D.Vinson 8+11reb+4ast, M.Plannthin 5+5reb+1ast, C.Magaard 3+2reb+1ast

1st Division: Randers and Virum to fight for the title - by Eurobasket News

Randers and Virum will meet each other in the 1st Division Finals. Both teams eliminated their rivals with perfect 2-0 in the Semis. Randers destroyed Koge in Game One 95-60 and after that celebrated 67-70 road victory in the second meeting. Virum started with 55-67 win against Lemvig as a guest. In Game Two, Virum outplayed its rival 78-69. Format of the Playoff Finals is best-of-three. First game is scheduled for Saturday and Randers will be the host. Teams will meet again on Wednesday at the Virum's home court. If necessary, Game Three will be played on April 28. Randers, who was the regular season champion, will host that one.

The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that Kenny Hayes (6'2''-PG-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Miami, OH) has been named the NBA Development League's Most Improved Player for the 2011-12 season as voted by the league's 16 head coaches.

Kenny Hayes, a second year pro out of the Miami University (OH), just completed second season with the Red Claws. Sparingly used in his rookie season, Hayes blossomed into a true leader and key player for Maine in his second season. Hayes, who also earned an invite to the Cleveland Cavaliers training camp this season, appeared in 44 games for the Red Claws, averaging 33 minutes, 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game which ranked 7th in the league. His 17.1 ppg was second on the Red Claws this season, behind only Morris Almond, now with the Washington Wizards. Hayes set a franchise record on March 4, 2012 when he scored 52 points in a game against the Springfield Armor, shattering the team's previous high of 40 points in a game and just one shy of tying the league's all-time single game mark. He was the co-recipient of the 2012 Red Claws Player of the Year Award, Presented by PeoplesChoice along with teammate Morris Almond as voted by Red Claws fans.

During his rookie season of 2010-11, Hayes appeared in 43 games with the Red Claws, averaging 19 minutes per game, 7.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

'Kenny Hayes is the type of player that the NBA Development is and should be about,' Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings said. 'Even when he was not seeing a lot of action last season, he kept learning and battling to earn a spot in the lineup. The player who arrived in Maine this season was confident and driven, and it became apparent right from training camp that he was going to be a leader for this team this year. I am extremely proud of the player and person that Kenny Hayes has developed into. The future holds great things for him.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Wizards show gratitude to Baker - by Eurobasket News

Nate Bjorkgren was an assistant coach for the Iowa Energy when he first met Maurice Baker (6'1''-PG-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.). The Energy had just wrapped up a shootaround and the Dakota Wizards were about to begin theirs when Bjorkgren went back to retrieve a few things.

The Dakota Wizards come out and Mo Bakers the first one, Bjorkgren said. He looks me right in the eye and says, Get your (butt) off the court.

I kind of stopped and I turned around, maybe thinking if he was laughing or joking, Bjorkgren said. He kept walking. He was serious. I remember grabbing my keys and my coat and walking the other way thinking, Man, I kind of like that.

For eight seasons Baker brought that hard-nosed attitude plus an unmatched work ethic to the Wizards. And with the team apparently headed to Santa Cruz, Calif., the Wizards showed their gratitude by retiring his jersey and naming Baker their franchise all-time most valuable player at a season-ending banquet on Tuesday.

It means a lot, Baker said. I just dedicated myself to this city and this team. I just wanted to play hard all the time and never quit.

The 32-year-old point guard out of Oklahoma State, has played parts of eight seasons with the Wizards. He holds the franchises career records in virtually every important category, including games (305), points (4,159), rebounds (1,761), assists (1,685) and steals (501).

But Bakers contributions have gone well beyond the numbers, especially as his career has gone on.

Hes been an unbelievable leader in practice, Bjorkgren said. He works his (butt) off every chance he gets. He leads the other players. Hes tough. He competes. He hates to lose. Those things are unbelievably important for a player. He plays with passion. Hes coachable. Hes an absolute pro.

When Baker first joined the Wizards in 2004, he burned opponents with his quickness and was good enough to earn NBA call-ups with the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers.

A broken ankle suffered in 2006 slowed Baker, but he adapted his game and grew into a quintessential leader, helping the Wizards win the D-League championship in 2007.

Baker played all 50 games for the Wizards this season, contributing 12.4 points and 5.8 assists. He once again showed remarkable rebounding ability for a 6-1 point guard, hauling down 5.6 boards per game.

He is unstoppable, Bjorkgren said.

Baker expressed regret that the Wizards will apparently be leaving Bismarck, but gratitude for the chance to play here.

Im still shocked. I still havent slept since Sunday, Baker said. Im really realizing the team really is moving now. Its 99 percent, but thats basically 100 percent. Its really tearing me up. Theres a lot of good people in this room right now, a lot of good fans. They deserve a team.

I love this city, I love this team, I love the guys I played with and I love the coaches, he added. I want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Harangody was assigned to Canton on April 15th and recently took part in an extremely rare four-games-in-four-nights set while leading the Canton Charge to their first-ever playoff series victory. Already on assignment with Canton, Harangody led the Charge to a Game 1 victory over the Springfield Armor in Canton on April 13th with 16 points on 6-12 shooting (.500), nine rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes. The following day he was recalled by the Cavaliers and started at Washington, recording a double-double with 16 points on 6-11 (.545) shooting, 10 rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes in a 98-89 victory.

The Notre Dame alumnus was re-assigned to Canton on Sunday, April 15th for Game 2 at Springfield, where he scored a team-high 26 points in 39 minutes in a 125-116 overtime loss. The following night in the decisive Game 3 matchup against Springfield, he grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds and added seven points in 25 minutes in a 115-106 win. In the four games, Harangody averaged 16.3 points on .500 shooting and 8.0 rebounds in 33.8 minutes per game.

The 6-foot-8 forward has appeared in 16 games with Cleveland this season, posting averages of 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 9.7 minutes per game. He is available for the Cavaliers game tonight versus Philadelphia.

SRT, second stage: Plaza and CDP jump to 2-1 record - by Eurobasket News

Second stage of SRT started last week and Round Three was played yesterday. Plaza was too strong for Capitanes celebrating comfortable 95-76 home win. Both teams had 1-1 record before this meeting. Edward Santana (203-F-80, agency: Regeneracom Sports) and Jose Olivero (186-PG-85, college: Lehigh) were the leading players in victory. They scored 27 and 25 points respectively. In defeat, Alejandro Salas Flores (204-F-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) responded with 30 points. CDP grabbed 79-77 victory against GUG and joined Plaza on top of SRT with 2-1 record. Visitors dropped to 1-2. Jose Fortuna (180-G-84) stepped up for the winners with 24 points. Rome Sanders (203-F/C-84, college: Florida A&M) and Bernardo Martinez (190-G-77) helped with 11 points each. In GUG, Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) was better than the others with 27 points.

After a season of watching him block shots left and right, clean up on the defensive glass and invade passing lanes for steals, Turkish Airlines Euroleague head coaches have made CSKA Moscow forward Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) this season's Best Defender Trophy winner! Kirilenko, who turned 31 during the season, made life difficult for any opposing player trying to score this season. He led the competition in three key components of defense with his 7.2 rebounds per game, including 5.5 on defense, and 1.9 blocked shots on average. Moreover, he ranked second with 1.53 steals per game. His single-game highs of 6 steals and 5 blocks both in the first five games of the season matched the most seen in the competition all season. Kirilenko also finished the season as the Euroleague leader in performance index rating, with 24.1 per game, and ranked sixth with 14 points on average. He was the Euroleague's only player to rank among the 10 best in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks. Likewise, Kirilenko was the only player to average at least 1 steal, 1 block and 1 three-pointer per game. In doing, so he anchored CSKA's defense as the club returned to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four after a one-year absence. He joins teammate Viktor Khryapa as the second CSKA player to win the award in the eight years it has existed. Among the other top vote-getters this time were the trophy's six-time winner, Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos, as well as David Moss of Montepaschi Siena, Victor Sada of F.C. Barcelona Regal and Richard Hendrix of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv. Kirilenko will be honored as the Best Defender Trophy winner at the Efes Pilsener Euroleague Awards Ceremony on the evening of May 12 at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul during the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four.

The Best Defender Trophy is the second of several end-of-season honors awarded by Euroleague Basketball. Already announced was the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy, which was won by Montepaschi Siena guard Bo McCalebb and the Euroleague Rising Star Trophy, for players under 22, which went for the second year in a row to Nikola Mirotic of Real Madrid. Still to be announced are the nominees for the All-Euroleague first and second teams. The All-Euroleague first and second teams, plus the Euroleague MVP, will be revealed at the Efes Pilsener Euroleague Awards Ceremony on May 12 at the Final Four in Istanbul. Two other awards, the Alexander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year Trophy and the Euroleague Club Executive of the Year, are post-season awards.

Kirilenko, who returned to elite European competition this season for the first time since leading CSKA to the 2001 SuproLeague Final Four, dominated at both ends of the floor from opening night, when he starred with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks all team-highs in a 74-87 demolition of Zalgiris Kaunas. Three weeks later, Kirilenko set the tone on the defensive end in a come-from-behind overtime win over defending champion Panathinaikos as he finished with 10 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 steals. A week later he amassed 9 rebounds, 6 steals and 3 rejections in leading CSKA to a 5-0 record with a comfortable home win over Unicaja. A broken nose and concussion suffered in a Russian League game ended his regular season after five games, but Kirilenko returned for the Top 16 and rejected 3 shots in his first game back. Menacing defense remained his calling card the rest of the way as won its Top 16 Group with a 5-1 record, disposed of Gescrap BB in the playoffs and proudly marched into the Final Four.

Kirilenko started his pro career with Spartak St. Petersburg as a 16-year-old and joined CSKA two years later. During his three seasons with CSKA, Kirilenko helped the club win two Russian League titles and reach the 2001 SuproLeague Final Four. He later played a decade with Utah of the NBA, where he was named once to the NBA all-star team and three times to the NBA all-defensive team. Kirilenko has also starred for the Russian national team, which he led to the gold medal at EuroBasket 2007, after which he was named MVP, and the bronze medal at EuroBasket 2011, after which he was selected to the all-tournament team.

The last weekend of the regular season has arrived and there is plenty still to be decided and not least, the match-ups for the ever intense and exciting BBL play-offs.

With the eight teams who will enter the post season having already been confirmed, its all about positioning while for the three clubs who didnt make it, there's little doubt that Durham Wildcats, Prestige Homes MK Lions and Mersey Tigers will all want to sign off their respective campaigns with a victory.

The only certainty of the weekend is that league winners Newcastle Eagles will of course be the top seed in the play-offs and they face Cheshire Jets at Sport Central tonight in what could potentially be a dress rehearsal for coming weeks if the north-west club finish in eighth spot.

It will also be interesting to see if the champions continue to rest their big hitters as they continue preparing to try and complete the clean sweep or whether the likes of Andy Thomson, Charles Smith and Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Marquette) will return after being rested for the Eagles' previous game.

Both Guildford Heat and One Health Sharks Sheffield could also finish in the last play-off berth of course and so they will most probably want to pick up a win to avoid meeting the all conquering Eagles. The Sharks host UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders this evening and then travel to Northgate Arena to face Jets in what could be a potential crunch decider in the race to avoid the last play-off berth.

Ironically, Heat will actually wrap up their regular season with a game against Newcastle Eagles at Surrey Sports Park on Sunday in another fixture which we could see repeated in the post season. They also must head to a rampant Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders tomorrow who cruised past an inexperienced Eagles line-up a couple of days ago.

Indeed the fight for second spot is now a fascinating battle after UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders were beaten midweek by Prestige Homes MK Lions.

Its Riders who are now in the box seat since they have the head to head against Worcester and while they lost the head to head against Raiders, they would emerge victorious in a three-way tie situation if all three clubs were to incredibly finish locked on 44 points. Worcester have of course already completed their regular season fixtures a week early.

Elsewhere, pride is on the line for the bottom three teams with Mersey Tigers hosting Glasgow Rocks tonight and Durham Wildcats hoping to improve on their three wins this season over the last 72 hours of the campaign.

They also play the Rocks this weekend when they head across the border on Sunday to Kelvin Hall but not before they have entertained Prestige Homes MK Lions at Newton Aycliffe on Saturday.

As ProA regular season comes to an end it is obvious that Hyeres-Toulon is going to be relegated into ProB. So the change on the bridge is expected soon. Alain Weisz is sure to leave his job. It has become known that Jean-Aime Toupane will most likely change him at head coaching position. The French-Senegalese specialist has lately worked with French U20 National Team. Previously he guided Pau-Orthez, Stade Clermontois and Toulouse. Jean-Aime Toupane was French National Team assistant coach in 2005/07. Eurobasket.com named Jean-Aime Toupane All-French ProB Coach of the Year in 2004. Alain Weisz worked with Hyeres-Touloun since 2007. He was head coach of French National Team in 2000/03 as well as Senegalese National Team in 2011.

Williams Soliman (201-F-80, agency: ACMT) extended his contract with Fos Ouest. The forward will stay with ProB team for another month. Williams Soliman signed with Fos Ouest in March. He tallies 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per game. The forward started the season in Chalons-Reims. He appeared in just one game for Chalons-Reims. Previously Williams Soliman had stints with Evreux, Rouen, Nanterre, Roanne, Vichy. He was named All-French ProB Defensive Player of the Year back in 2004. Next year Williams Soliman received ProB Most Improved Player of the Year award. The forward was the member of Les Bleus in 2008. Elson Mendy (200-F-85) prolonged his deal with Nantes. The forward will stay for at least another ProB round. Elson Mendy moved to Nantes in March. His stats read 12.8 points, 6.6 boards and 1.6 assists per appearance. The forward tipped off the season in Dijon. Elson Mendy posted 2.7 points and 1.0 board per game in ProA.

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GERMANY

Ismet Akpinar (I Will Never Forget My First National Team Dunk Against New Zealand) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Ismet Akpinar (190-PG-95, agency: Beo Basket) is a 16 year old 182cm point guard from Hamburg that recently completed his first season in the Pro B for SC Rist Wedel and the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim. He played 24 games averaging 5,9ppg, 1,5rpg and 2,3apg. He started his basketball career for : BC Hamburg Tigers junior team in 2009 and last year played for the Oberliga team. Last summer, he took part at the European Championships U16 in Czech Republic -11: 9 games: 13.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 63.9%. He recently spoketo Eurobasket about his experience at the 2012 Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim, Germany.

Congrats on finishing in 4th place at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in mannheim. If some one had told you that Germany would finish in 4th place before the tournament started, what would you have said?

We are completely satisfied with our performance !I would believe that but I think the most people out there wouldn't. We proved ourselves and made some noise So people need to be aware of us. I think untill the European championship in the summer we will be even a more complete team

Germany beat USA quite easily in a exhibition game. Were you sure after this win that Germany would have a successful tournament?

We had a couple of preparation games against New Zealand Australia and the USA . After all these wins we had more self confidence and started motivated into the tournament

The United States finished only in 7th place. How much did this surprise you? Was there talent level not as strong this year?

After our first meeting I was a bit sad about their game I was completely surprised how they ended this tournament. I would have wished that the USA would have been a more stronger team

What was your impression of American Austin Nichols? Are there any players on that team that could become NBA players in the future?

All players have much potential. Some Player more some less. But the Most Important thing is that every player has to work hard to reach this goal. Austin Nichols is a very complete player.

You had a solid tournament averaging 8,4ppg, 3,0rpg and 1,7apg. How happy were you with your play?

I am not satisfied with my performance. Even though I am a year younger than the most guys there I could have played better. I had a couple of good games but also a couple of not so good. I will work hard until the summer and hopefully have some good games in the European championships.

How much could you learn from this week of international play?

During these days you can learn very much !You have the opportunity to compare yourself with the best players of the world. And I did it. I learned very much during my game time.

Germany lost to Serbia which didnt let them get a medal. What would have gotten Germany past the hump to win this game. What would Germany would have done better to win?

We really could have won this game. If we would have stopped their players in the one on one game And if we would have played better help side and rotated better . All in all we were to weak in the defensive game.

You had some good games against New Zealand, Turkey and Serbia. What game will you remember the most?

Every game has this special feeling. You don't get often the chance to play against New Zealand and see the Haka. Against Serbia it's always dynamic and I played against the MVP of the tournament. But I think the game I will not forget is against turkey. The Turkish fans were very loud and energetic. Also it had a complete other atmosphere. What also counts is that it's always something special when you play against you fatherland

What was your personal favorite play in a game that you will remember for a while?

My personal play I will not forget is my first national team dunk against New Zealand.

German Paul Zipser made a name for himself. He averaged 14,6ppg, 5,0rpg and 2,3apg. Do you think that in the future that he will continue to be a point guard or play more the forward position?

I think Paul is also a very completed player. He can play the point position but I think he will prefer the small forward spot.

Gavin Schilling also had a productive tournament averaging 10,7ppg and 5,4rpg. Where do you see his route going in the next years. Could he become a solid NCAA player?

Gavin will be a great NCAA player. He has a lot of potential. He is very athletic and is perfect for the American basketball.

What was the most important thing that you learned form coach Kay Blumel in this week?

I think the most important thing is that he always believed in us. Doesn't matter how much points we were down he stayed the most of time very calm and made the right decision. So to be direct ' believe in yourself and never give up '

You saw many players last week in the tournament. Who will be the stars of tomorrow?

Its very hard to say it right now. The most of the players are still improving themselves. But great players were Radiceciv, Perez , Erlk, Ristic, and Diop

Spain won the 2012 Albert Schweitzer tournament. What keeps Spain still steps in front of Germany in young player development?

Spain plays very good as a unit. There are no selfish players that make very little mistakes and everybody does his job perfect in the team. I think everybody in Spain is the leader of his own club-team but in the national team they fit perfectly together and play very fast (typical for Spain teams) and they dominate most of their opponents.

What are your plans for the summer?

I am gonna plan my summer in the upcoming days together with my coaches. I want to improve my little mistakes in my game like something of my shooting form my passing my ball handling reading situations and so on. I will work hard everyday and a lot of individual things. My goal is to play a very good European championships and I will start from now on.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Haha the last DVD I have watched is honestly the old but gold film Space Jam, but I realized that I am a bit to grown up for this film, but I still loved it.

Thanks Ismet for the chat

Ahmad Smith (Kirchheim Knights) The Way We Play On The Defensive End Will Be Key To Winning Series Against Duesseldorf - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Ahmad Smith (194-G-84, college: St.Bonaventure) is a 27 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing fort he Kirchheim Knights. He played at St.Bonaventure (NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8 (14.2ppg), RebA10-10 (6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9 (3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2 (8.7rpg), Assists-1 (7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. Last season, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.'10, in Jan.'11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. He spoke to eurobasket before game one of the PRO A semi finals against the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf.

Congrats on reaching the semi finals. The Kirchheim Knights have had a very long time to rest for the series against Duesseldorf Giants. What will help the team more that or the little game time team has had in last week?

Thanks Miles, yeah we've had a long break between series I think the rest was good for us. We've had some good practices and we are prepared for this series.

You split the season series 1-1. What is your memory of the 71-69 bitter loss in Duesseldorf in the first game of the series?

It was the first game of the season so I don't remember much about it. Both teams have made changes since that game.

Duesseldorf have been kind of an erratic team this season, but showed in the Chemnitz series that they can close strong winning the last 3 games. What is their biggest strength as team?

They have depth at every position, and have multiple guys that can play different positions.

The playoffs are a whole new life. What kind of series can we await?

I think it will be a great series both teams competing to make the FINALS should be fun.

What will be the key matchup of the series?

I don't know about individual matchups, but the way we play on the defensive end will be the key to our success in this series.

The coach of the Duesseldorf Giants Murat Didin is almost the star of the team and always has a trick up his sleeve. What will be key to winning this series?

Olympiacos - PAOK 81-53 (1-0)The game was mostly controlled by Olympiacos. PAOK managed to win third quarter 16-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding PAOK to just 6 points in first quarter. Olympiacos forced 20 PAOK turnovers and outrebounded them 39-27 including 27 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of FYR Macedonian-Bulgarian forward Pero Antic (210-82, agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 9 rebounds. International guard Vassilis Spanoulis (193-82, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 12 points and 4 assists for the winners. The former international guard Nikos Pappas (194-90, agency: FCM) answered with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international power forward Dimos Dikoudis (206-77) added 10 points in the effort for PAOK. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Top scorers:PAOK: D.Dikoudis 10+4reb, D.Kalampakas 7, N.Kalles 7, N.Pappas 6+5reb+4ast, M.Aleksic 6+6reb+1ast, M.Bojovic 4+1rebOlympiacos: P.Antic 18+9reb, V.Spanoulis 12+2reb+4ast, G.Printezis 10+3reb+1ast, K.Papanikolaou 7+3reb, J.Dorsey 6+4reb+2ast, K.Sloukas 5+2reb+7ast

gschID: 174174

Panathinaikos - Aris 83-68 (1-0)The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 26-5 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Panathinaikos dominated on the defensive end, holding Aris to just 5 points in third quarter. 27 personal fouls committed by Aris helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a very good performance for Lithuanian guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 5 assists. American-Polish guard David Logan (184-82, college: Indianapolis) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Guard Dimitris Verginis (193-87) answered with 18 points and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and American forward Sam Muldrow (205-88, college: S.Carolina) added 15 points in the effort for Aris. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers:Aris: D.Verginis 18+3reb+4ast, S.Muldrow 15+3reb+1ast, R.Davis 10, S.Kerusch 8+7reb, M.Krusic 7+6reb, M.Tsairelis 6+5rebPanathinaikos: D.Logan 14+3reb, S.Jasikevicius 13+5ast, A.Maric 9+4reb, D.Diamantidis 8+4reb+2ast, M.Batiste 7+4reb+1ast, S.Smith 7+7reb+1ast

gschID: 174175

Kolossos - Kavala 82-61 (1-0)The game was mostly controlled by Kolossos. Kavala managed to win second period 23-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Kavala to just 7 points in third quarter. Kolossos dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Kavala's 28. They outrebounded Kavala 36-18 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a very good performance for American guard Marcus Hatten (186-80, college: St.John's) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Ruben Boykin (201-85, college: N.Arizona) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Four Kolossos players scored in double figures. Kolossos' coach Vasilis Fragias felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Nikos Angelopoulos (205-84) answered with 13 points and point guard Christoforos Stefanidis (185-80) added 12 points and 4 assists in the effort for Kavala. Top scorers:Kavala: N.Angelopoulos 13+3reb+1ast, C.Stefanidis 12+1reb+4ast, V.Symtsak 9+6reb+1ast, A.Damjanovic 9+1reb, M.Pasalic 6+3reb+2ast, J.Gray 6+2astKolossos: M.Hatten 23+5reb+1ast, N.Liakopoulos 14+2reb+2ast, R.Boykin 14+4reb+2ast, A.Tsamis 11+6reb+2ast, S.Hopson 7, A.Asimakopoulos 7+6reb+1ast

gschID: 174172

AGOR - Panionios 71-83 (0-1)Panionios outrebounded AGOR 36-24 including 27 on the defensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by AGOR helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a very good performance for the former international forward Nikos Barlos (202-79) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 6 rebounds. International guard Vasilis Xanthopoulos (187-84, agency: FCM) contributed with 12 points and 9 assists for the winners. American guard Dionte Christmas (196-86, college: Temple) answered with 17 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Brent Petway (204-85, college: Michigan) added 8 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for AGOR. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers:AGOR: D.Christmas 17+5reb+2ast, J.Coleman 9, G.Dedas 9, V.Aggelopoulos 8+2reb, B.Petway 8+9reb+1ast, A.Kallinikidis 6+1rebPanionios: N.Barlos 19+6reb+1ast, W.Keys 16+1ast, V.Xanthopoulos 12+2reb+9ast, V.Kavvadas 9+4reb, J.Diebler 8+9reb, A.Stepheson 7+11reb+1ast

Today, the Dutch Basketball Federation announced that Israeli Gadi Kedar would no longer be the head coach of the Dutch National Basketball team. Yesterday head coach Gadi Kedar got a call from the Dutch Basketball Federation. No reason has been stated why this action has taken place. They have nothing stated while his contract runs until 2013. GadiKedarnow awaiting theofficialletter and then he will decidewhat stepshe willtake.

Grindavik will face Thor in Iceland Express league finals after team beat Stjarnan 79-77 and the serie 3-1In the game Grindavik lost one of their starter Olafur Olafsson (190-G-90) with very bad ankle injury that will keep him off court for long time, Olafsson was taken to the Hospital early in the game.It was like a kick in team butt and they had good run after game started again but looks like Stjarnan was in a shock.Grindavik got the lead up around 20 points in third quarter. In fourth quarter Stjarnan had a good run and tight the game up 74-74 and took the lead 76-74 but a three pointer from Pall Vilbergson got lead again to Grindavik. Renato Lindmets made one free throw out of two to tight the game again.7 second before the end Stjarnan takes a defensive rebounds and looks like that player is fouled but no call and Grindavik gets the ball and scores. 1 second before the end Justin Shouse goes up for a shot and again likely he was fouled but no call and game over. Hard loss for Stjarnan special if the referee did miss two important call in the end but over all Grindavik was the better team in this game.Scorers for Stjarnan. Justin Shouse 22. Renato Lindmets 18 Keith Cothran 21. Marvin Valdimarsson 8. Jovan Zdravevski 3. Fannar Helgason 2. Sigurjon Larusson 2. Dagur Jonsson 1For Grindavik. J'Nathan Bullock 26. Sigurdur Thorsteinsson 15. Thorleifur Olafsson 10. Pall Vilbergsson 7. Johann Olafsson 9. Ryan Pettinella 6. Giordan Watson6.

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IRELAND

Colin O'Reilly's 31 points make him top Irish player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Irish who are currently playing abroad.

#1. This week's number one is former international forward Colin O'Reilly (200-84, college: Post). He led Cheshire Jets to a victory over the closely-ranked Glasgow Rocks (14-14) 80-64 in the British BBL in Sunday night's game.
O'Reilly was MVP of the game. He scored 31 points (!!!), had 5 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 38 minutes on the court.
Cheshire Jets (11-17) is placed seventh in the BBL.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
O'Reilly has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 17.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 50.9%, 3FGP: 40.2% and FT: 74.6% in the 25 games he played so far.
O'Reilly played for the Irish senior national team three years ago.

#2. Second place goes to former international power forward Mihajlo Pesic (206-81, agency: Court Side). He was the main contributor in a 1-point Inter Bratislava's victory against the seventh-ranked BK Loko Plzen (10-30) 61-60 in the Czech Republic NBL last Wednesday.
Pesic was the best player in that game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 12 rebounds. Pesic also added 3 blocks.
BK Inter Bratislava (10-30) is placed sixth in A2 group.
It's Pesic's first season with the team.
Pesic is ranked second on the list of the best rebounders in the league.
He has very reliable stats this season: 12.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 2FGP: 48.2% and FT: 62.7%.
Pesic has a dual citizenship: Irish and Serbian.
Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Pesic played also for the Irish national team in 2009.

#3. The Irish player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Levon Kendall (209-84, college: Pittsburgh), who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help Blusens Monbus (10-19) to beat Cajasol (16-13).
Kendall scored 8 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 31 minutes.
Blusens Monbus was badly defeated 79-59 on the road by the much higher-ranked (#7) Cajasol.
This year Kendall's overall stats are: 9.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 2FGP: 49.7% and FT: 66.7% in the 29 games.
He is another player who holds two passports: Canadian and Irish.
Despite Kendall played previously for the Canadian national team, he played also for the Irish national team in 2009.

#4. Guard Donnie McGrath (193-84, college: Providence) contributed to an overtime Tezenis Verona's victory against the closely-ranked Assi Ostuni (10-15) 71-70 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) in Sunday night's game.
McGrath scored 9 points.
Tezenis Verona (12-13) is placed ninth in the Lega2.
There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial.
McGrath's total stats this season are: 3.8ppg and 1.4rpg.
He is a naturalized American.
Despite McGrath played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Irish national team roster.
Strangely McGrath has never played in Ireland.

#5. Former international point guard Bryan Mullins (185-87, college: S.Illinois) managed to help Chalons-Reims in a victory against the eighth-ranked Lille Metropole (16-14) 82-69 in the French ProB (second division) last Friday.
He scored only 4 points and added 7 passes in 23 minutes.
Chalons-Reims (21-9) is placed third in the ProB.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
Mullins belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #2 with 5.7apg.
This year he also averages: 9.4ppg, 2.3rpg and 1.9spg in the 30 games.
Mullins is a naturalized American.
He used to play for the Irish national team
three years ago.
Apparently Mullins has never played in Ireland.

#1. This week's number one is an international swingman Omri Casspi (204-88), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Cleveland Cavaliers (20-41) in their last game. Despite Casspi's good performance the Cleveland Cavaliers were badly defeated 102-83 on the road by the Indiana Pacers.
He was the top scorer with 14 points. Casspi also added 5 rebounds in 22 minutes on the court.
It was Cavaliers' third consecutive loss in a row.
Casspi has relatively good stats this year: 7.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 46.5%, 3FGP: 32.7% and FT: 68.0% in the 61 games he played so far.
He is currently a member of the Israeli senior national team.

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Afik Nissim (180-81, agency: Beo Basket). Nissim led Krka to an easy victory against the sixth-ranked Sentjur (0-7) 88-69 in the Slovenian Telemach League last Tuesday.
He recorded 13 points and added 6 assists.
Krka Novo Mesto (5-2) is placed second in Championship Group.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical.
This season Nissim averages: 8.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.9apg, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 86.7%.
He has a dual citizenship: Israeli and French.
Despite Nissim played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Israeli senior national team.

#3. The Israeli player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Yotam Halperin (196-84), who plays in Russia. Halperin was not able to help Spartak St.Petersburg (5-1) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the first-placed Spartak St.Petersburg lost 73-77 in Khimki to the second-ranked Khimky in the group K of Eurocup.
Halperin was the second best scorer with 15 points. He also added 5 assists in 36 minutes.
They ended the series of eleven consecutive victories.
Halperin is ranked second on the list of the best passers in the league with 5.2apg.
This year his other stats are: 9.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 44.2%, 3FGP: 44.7% and FT: 84.9% in the 16 games.
Despite Halperin played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Israeli senior national team.

#4. Guard Oded Brandwein (188-88, agency: N.E.T.), who plays in the Polish PLK was not able to secure a victory for Kotwica (19-19) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Brandwein's very good performance Kotwica (#3) was badly defeated 85-68 in Koszalin by the second-ranked AZS Koszalin in the Group B.
He was the top scorer with 20 points. Brandwein also added made 6 passes and 3 steals.
The Second Stage already ended.
This season Brandwein has relatively solid stats: 12.2ppg, 1.9rpg and 4.0apg.
He is another player who holds two passports: Israeli and Polish.
Despite Brandwein played previously for the Polish national team, he is currently in the Israeli U20 national team roster.

#5. International point guard Gal Mekel (192-88, college: Wichita St.) was the major contributor in a Benetton Treviso's victory against the seventh-ranked CS Bologna (15-12) 63-59 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday.
Mekel scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in a mere 16 minutes.
Benetton Treviso (12-15) is placed 11th in the SerieA.
This year Mekel's overall stats are: 6.5ppg, 2.1rpg and 3.5apg in the 17 games.
He has both Israeli and Polish nationalities.
Despite Mekel played previously for the Polish national team, he is currently in the Israeli national team roster.

#6. Guard Chanan Colman (191-84, college: Chipola), who plays in the Danish Ligaen couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Svendborg (23-4) in their last game on Monday. Despite Colman's very good performance Svendborg was defeated 81-68 at home by the leading Bakken.
He was the top scorer with 21 points. Colman also added 5 passes.
Colman is ranked fifth on the list of the best passers in the league.
He has individually a very good season with high stats. Colman averages: 16.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.6apg and 1.1spg.
Despite he played previously for the Danish national team, Colman is also an international player who is currently on the senior Israeli National Team roster.

#7. Former international guard Jason Thomas (191-82, college: American) led Boras Basket to a victory against the closely-ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (2-4) 87-75 in the Swedish Basketligan in Friday night's game.
He recorded 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 29 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Boras Basket (21-15) is placed third in the Basketligan.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
It's Thomas' first season with the team.
Thomas has reliable stats this year: 11.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4apg and 1.4spg in the 45 games.
He is a naturalized American.
Despite Thomas played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Israeli national team roster.
Thomas used to play for Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan in Israeli league.

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Danilo Gallinari (208-88, agency: Players Group). Gallinari led Denver Nuggets to a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves (26-37) 113-107 in the NBA last Wednesday.
He scored 18 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists.
The Denver Nuggets have 34-27 record this season.
There are only four games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
Gallinari has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 14.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg, 2FGP: 47.4%, 3FGP: 32.1% and FT: 86.8%.
Despite Gallinari played previously for the Brazilian national team, he is currently a member of the Italian senior national team.

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Marco Belinelli (196-86). Belinelli was the major contributor in a New Orleans Hornets' victory against the Sacramento Kings (20-42) 105-96 in the NBA on Wednesday night.
He scored 21 points and added 3 assists in 30 minutes.
The New Orleans Hornets have not so impressive 19-43 record this season.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
There are only four games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial.
Belinelli has very impressive stats this year: 11.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 37.4% and FT: 77.2% in the 62 games he played so far.
Despite he played previously for the Brazilian national team, Belinelli is currently a member of the Italian senior national team.

#3. The Italian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Guilherme Giovannoni (202-80, agency: Interperformances). He led his Brazilian team Uniceub/BRB to a 2-point victory over the fourth-ranked Capitanes (1-2) 74-72 in the Liga Americas in Sunday night's game.
Giovannoni was MVP of the game. He scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
Uniceub/BRB/Brasilia (2-1) is placed second in group F.
Giovannoni's team will play only one more game in the Liga Americas Second Stage. And now that game is quite important.
Giovannoni is currently ninth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (third place).
This season he has very high stats. Giovannoni averages: 15.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 57.1%(28-49), 3FGP: 31.3% and FT: 95.2%(20-21).
He has a dual citizenship: Italian and Brazilian.
Despite Giovannoni played previously for the Brazilian national team, he is currently a member of the Italian senior national team.

#4. Guard Leandro Garcia Morales (186-80, college: Texas A&M), who plays in Venezuela could not help Cocodrilos (1-2) in their last game. Despite Garcia Morales' very good performance the third-placed Cocodrilos lost 89-99 at home to the leading La Union in the group F of Liga Americas.
He was the top scorer with 28 points. Garcia Morales also added made 3 passes and 3 steals in 33 minutes.
The Second Stage already ended in the Liga Americas.
Garcia Morales has very impressive stats this year: 21.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.7apg and 3.0spg in the three games.
He is another player who holds two passports: Italian and Uruguayan.
Despite Garcia Morales played previously for the Uruguayan national team, he is currently in the Italian national team roster.

#5. International guard Ryan Zamroz (191-87, agency: JEMsports, college: Master's), who plays in the Swedish Basketligan was not able to help Boras Basket (21-15) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Zamroz's very good performance Boras Basket was defeated 92-85 on the road by the lower-ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (#3).
He was the top scorer with 35 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line).
This season Zamroz has very high stats. He averages: 16.2ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.0apg.
Zamroz is a naturalized American.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Zamroz is currently in the Italian national team roster.
Strangely he has never played in Italy.

#6. Power forward Cristopher Mortellaro (206-82, college: Drury) contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Leche Rio Breogan (17-15) crushing them 94-74 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Saturday night's game.
Mortellaro scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 27 minutes.
Baloncesto Leon (15-17) is placed 13th in the LEB Gold.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
It's Mortellaro's first season with the team.
He has relatively good stats this year: 10.9ppg and 7.6rpg in the 32 games.
Mortellaro is a naturalized American.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Mortellaro is also an international player who is currently on the senior Italian National Team roster.
He used to play for Sicc BPA Jesi in Italian league.

#7. International forward Mauricio Aguiar (197-83, also represented by Players Group) contributed to Hebraica's victory against the third-ranked Malvin (0-0) 77-71 in a derby game in the Uruguayan LUB last Monday.
Aguiar scored 16 points and added 4 passes.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Serie 1. Hebraica Macabi (9-1) is placed first.
It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row.
This season Aguiar has very high stats. He averages: 17.4ppg, 2.9rpg and 2.8apg.
Despite Aguiar played previously for the Uruguayan national team, he is currently in the Italian national team roster.

#8. Forward Samuel Cricelli (200-85, another player represented by JEMsports, college: Caldwell) contributed to a Liverpool Mersey Tigers' surprising victory against the league leader Newcastle Eagles (23-4) 82-74 in the British BBL on Friday night.
Cricelli had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 16 rebounds in 32 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. Liverpool Mersey Tigers (10-19) is placed ninth in the BBL.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season.
Cricelli is ranked seventh on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 9.0rpg.
This year his other stats are: 14.1ppg, 1.3apg and 1.5spg in the 13 games.
Despite Cricelli played previously for the British national team, he is currently in the Italian national team roster.

#9. Former international guard Jayson Granger (186-89) helped Asefa Estudiantes win their game against the closely-ranked Gran Canaria 2014 (11-18) 61-52 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game.
He scored 7 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists.
Asefa Estudiantes Madrid (8-20) is placed second from the bottom (#17) in the ACB.
They ended the series of four consecutive loses.
Granger is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his sixth year in Asefa Estudiantes' roster.
Granger belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #7.
He has very reliable stats this season: 10.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.7apg and 1.4spg.
Worth to mention Granger played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball. Despite Granger played previously for the Uruguayan national team, he is currently in the Italian national team roster.

#10. Guard Anthony Dobbins (194-81, college: Richmond) was not able to secure a victory for Poitiers (8-18) in their game against JSF Nanterre (12-14) in the French ProA.
Dobbins scored 6 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 9 assists in 29 minutes.
Poitiers lost 75-86 in Nanterre to the higher-ranked (#11) JSF Nanterre.
It was Poitiers' third consecutive loss in a row.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season.
This year Dobbins' overall stats are: 7.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg and 2.2spg in the 11 games.
He is a naturalized American.
Despite Dobbins played previously for the USA national team, he is also a former international player as three years ago he still played for the Italian senior national team.
Dobbins used to play for Banca Nuova Trapani in Italian league.

#11. Former international point guard Federico Bavosi (184-81) helped River Andorra win their game against the league outsider Gandia Basquet crushing them 87-66 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) on Saturday night.
He scored 8 points, made 16 passes and 3 steals.
Bavosi is ranked first on the list of the best passers in the league and also on the list of most steals (fourth place).
This season he has very good stats: 10.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.8apg and 1.7spg.
Despite Bavosi played previously for the Uruguayan U21 national team, he is currently in the Italian national team roster.

#12. Former international point guard Steve Dagostino (180-85, agency: Duran International, college: St.Rose, NY) helped Lleida Basquet win their game against the closely-ranked UB La Palma 58-54 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Friday night's game.
Dagostino scored 11 points in 22 minutes.
This year his total stats are: 6.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.5apg and 1.5spg in the six games.
Dagostino is a naturalized American.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Dagostino is currently in the Italian national team roster.
He used to play for Edimes Pavia in Italian league.

#13. Former international forward Nicolas Borsellino (202-86) managed to help Malvin to win against the leader Hebraica 55-53 in a derby game in the Uruguayan LUB last Friday.
Borsellino recorded only 4 points.
He has averaged so far 9.4ppg, 6.9rpg and 1.5apg.
Borsellino used to play for the Italian national team
twelve years ago.

#14. International swingman Ross Schraeder (196-83, college: Cal-Irvine) helped Ford Burgos win their game against the 16th-ranked CB Tarragona 2017 78-73 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night.
He scored 6 points in only 14 minutes.
Schraeder has averaged so far 7.2ppg and 1.3rpg in the 32 games.
He is a naturalized American.
Despite Schraeder played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Italian national team roster.
Schraeder used to play for 86.4%, in March '06 signed a 3 year contract with Bipop-Carire Reggio Emilia in Italian league.

#15. International center Davor Barovic (211-90) helped Branik win their game against one of league's weakest teams Litija crushing them 95-64 in the Slovenian D2 (second division) in Saturday night's game.
He scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
Barovic is currently sixth on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (second place).
He has averaged so far 8.6ppg and 7.6rpg.
Despite Barovic played previously for the Slovenian U20 national team, he is currently in the Italian national team roster.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Italian passport:

#1.Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) was the major contributor in a Regal FC Barcelona's victory against the sixth-ranked Lagun Aro GBC (16-13) 77-61 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game.
He scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 23 minutes.
Regal FC Barcelona (24-5) is placed first in the ACB.
It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row.
This year Huertas averages: 8.2ppg, 2.8rpg and 3.3apg in the 29 games he played so far.
He has a dual citizenship: Brazilian and Italian.
Despite Huertas' Italian passport, he currently plays for the Brazilian national team and is not eligible to play for the Italian team.

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IVORY COAST

Pape-Philippe Amagou selected the top Ivorian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Ivorians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

#1. This week's number one is former international guard Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-85, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the French ProA. Amagou could not help Sluc Nancy (16-10) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance Sluc Nancy was defeated 84-79 on the road by the second-ranked Chalon/Saor.
Amagou was the second best scorer with 12 points. He also added 3 passes.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
It's Amagou's first season with the team.
Amagou has relatively good stats this year: 10.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 38.5% and FT: 82.8%.
He has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and French.
Despite Amagou played previously for the French U20 national team, he played also for the Ivorian national team in 2010.

#2. Second place goes to an international center Mohamed Kone (211-81, college: Valparaiso). Kone was not able to help Meridiano Alicante (15-13) in their game against Real Madrid (22-7) in the Spanish ACB, despite his good performance on Sunday night.
He scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a mere 15 minutes.
But Meridiano Alicante lost 87-91 in Madrid to the second-ranked Real.
This year Kone averages: 4.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 38.7% and FT: 68.3% in the 27 games he played so far.
He is another player who holds two passports: Ivorian and French.
Despite Kone played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Ivorian senior national team.

#3. The Ivorian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international point guard Mouloukou Diabate (183-87). Diabate led Chorale de Roanne to a victory against the closely-ranked Le Mans (16-10) 73-69 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game.
He scored 11 points and added 3 passes.
Chorale de Roanne Basket (14-12) is placed seventh in the ProA.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial.
Diabate's overall stats this season are: 7.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 59.3%(51-86), 3FGP: 18.0% and FT: 90.6%(29-32).
Similarly like Kone and Amagou above he has both Ivorian and French nationalities.
Despite Diabate played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Ivorian senior national team.

#4. Power forward Mamadou Lamizana (207-81, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Rutgers) led Vaqueros to a 3-point victory over the closely-ranked Atleticos (12-10) 74-71 in the Puerto Rican BSN last Wednesday.
Lamizana was MVP of the game. He scored 23 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 28 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Vaqueros de Bayamon (12-10) is placed second in the BSN.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
Lamizana is the league's best blocker with 2.3bpg.
This year he also averages: 11.0ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.8apg and 1.1spg in the 20 games.
Similarly like three previous players above, Lamizana also holds two passports: Ivorian and French.
Despite he played previously for the French national team, Lamizana is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

#5. International center Alain Koffi (207-83, also represented by Beo Basket) faced previously mentioned Mouloukou Diabate in the French ProA last game.
Koffi was not able to secure a victory for Le Mans (16-10) in their game against Chorale de Roanne (14-12). Despite his good performance on Saturday night He was the second best scorer with 11 points.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
Koffi's overall stats this season are: 7.3ppg and 3.3rpg.
He has Ivorian and French nationalities.
Despite Koffi played previously for the French national team, he is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

#6. Swingman Mamadi Diane (196-86, college: Virginia) couldn't help Ventspils (15-1) in their game against Liepaja (17-9) in the Latvian LBL.
Diane recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 18 minutes.
Ventspils was edged 74-73 at home by the leading Liepaja.
This year Diane's overall stats are: 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3spg in the seven games.
He is an international player who is currently on the senior Ivorian National Team roster.

#7. Former international forward Francis Koffi (202-81, college: Fresno St.) was the major contributor in Ourense's victory against the seventh-ranked Leyma Basquet (12-10) 75-66 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) last Saturday.
Koffi scored 13 points.
Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto (15-13) is placed in the LEB Silver.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season.
This season Koffi has relatively solid stats: 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.2spg.
Despite he played previously for the French national team, Koffi is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

#8. Guard Errick Craven (188-83, college: USC) couldn't help JA Vichy (7-23) in their game against Limoges CSP Elite (24-6) in the French ProB (second division), despite his good performance on Saturday night.
He scored 12 points, had 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 28 minutes.
But JA Vichy lost 72-82 in Limoges to the leading CSP Elite.
It was JA Vichy's fourth consecutive loss in a row.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season.
Craven has reliable stats this year: 10.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.9apg and 1.8spg in the 14 games.
He holds both American and Ivorian passports.
Despite Craven played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

#9. International guard Mohamed Toure (189-92) managed to help Paffoni Omegna to win against the third-ranked Orlandina (20-14) crushing them 82-59 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) in Sunday night's game.
Toure recorded only 4 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Division North-West. Paffoni Omegna (30-4) is placed first in North-West Division.
It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row.
The Regular Season already ended.
Toure's total stats this season are: 4.8ppg, 1.6rpg and 1.1spg.
He is also in the roster of the Ivorian national team.

#10. Swingman Ibrahim Cisse (188-84, agency: Two Points) couldn't help Pavia (17-17) in their game against Anagni (15-19) in the Italian Nazionale A (third division).
Cisse recorded 8 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 25 minutes.
The fifth-placed Pavia was badly defeated 79-62 on their home court in Pavia by the lower-ranked (#5) Anagni in the North-West Division.
They ended the series of three consecutive victories.
The Regular Season already ended.
This year Cisse's total stats are: 5.8ppg, 4.7rpg and 2.4spg in the 33 games.
Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Cisse is also a former international player as two years ago he still played for the Ivorian senior national team.

#11. Former international forward Issife Soumahoro (197-88) couldn't help Boulazac Basket in their game against Olympique Antibes in the French ProB (second division).
He scored 7 points.
His team was defeated 82-77.
Soumahoro has averaged so far 4.3ppg and 1.4rpg.
Despite he played previously for the French national team, Soumahoro is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

#12. International forward Jonathan Kale (203-85, college: Providence) contributed to a Lleida Basquet's victory against the closely-ranked UB La Palma 58-54 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Friday night's game.
He scored 6 points in only 8 minutes.
Kale's stats this year are: 11.7ppg and 5.3rpg in the 32 games.
He holds both American and Ivorian passports.
Despite Kale played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

#13. International forward Ismael N'Diaye (197-82, college: FIU) couldn't help Boncourt in their game against Monthey in the Swiss LNA. Despite his good performance last Tuesday N'Diaye recorded 11 points and added 3 passes.
N'Diaye averaged so far 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.1apg and 1.8spg.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, N'Diaye is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Ivorian passport:

#1.Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida), who plays in the Polish PLK could not help Zastal ZG (6-4) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the third-placed Zastal ZG was edged 83-81 on the road by the lower-ranked (#5) Energa Czarni in the Group A.
Hodge was the top scorer with 27 points. He also added 7 passes in 33 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Hodge's third season in pro basketball. There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical.
It's Hodge's first year with the team.
Hodge is the league's top scorer and also on the list of best passers (second place).
He has individually a very good year with high stats. Hodge averages: 18.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 6.0apg and 1.4spg in the 34 games he played so far.
He has also Puerto Rican passport.

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JAMAICA

Roy Hibbert's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Jamaicans playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Jamaicans who are currently playing abroad.

#1. This week's number one is former international center Roy Hibbert (218-86, college: Georgetown). He led Indiana Pacers to a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks (28-32) 105-99 in the NBA in Saturday night's game.
Hibbert was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 14 rebounds in 31 minutes on the court.
The Indiana Pacers have a solid 40-22 record this season.
It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row.
There are only four games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
It's Hibbert's fourth year with the team.
Hibbert is currently fifth on the list of best blockers with 2.0bpg.
He also averaged so far 13.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 49.8% and FT: 70.9% in the 62 games he played so far.
Hibbert is a naturalized American.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Hibbert played also for the Jamaican national team in 2010.

#2. Second place goes to former international power forward Samardo Samuels (206-89, college: Louisville), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Cleveland Cavaliers (20-41) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Samuels' very good performance the Cleveland Cavaliers were badly defeated 103-87 on the road by the Philadelphia 76ers.
He was the second best scorer with 15 points. Samuels also added 5 rebounds.
It's Samuels' first season with the team.
This year he averages: 5.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 2FGP: 43.0% and FT: 70.9%.
Despite Samuels played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the Jamaican national team in 2009.

#3. The Jamaican player who performed third best last week abroad was former international point guard Bryan Bailey (185-80, college: Bucknell). Bailey contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked New Yorker Phantoms (16-15) crushing them 101-80 in the German BBL on Saturday night.
He scored 16 points and added 5 passes in 33 minutes.
Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (22-10) is placed fourth in the BBL.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial.
This year Bailey's overall stats are: 6.6ppg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 49.2%, 3FGP: 19.2% and FT: 71.7% in the 18 games.
He is a naturalized American.
Despite Bailey played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the Jamaican national team in 2009.

#4. Power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Hofstra), who plays in the Israeli Premier League was not able to help Maccabi Rishon (14-10) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Uter's good performance Maccabi Rishon was edged 77-74 at home by the leading Maccabi T-A.
He recorded 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals.
Uter's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important.
Uter is currently third on the list of best blockers.
He has very reliable stats this season: 13.6ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6bpg and 1.7spg.
Uter is a naturalized American.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Uter is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

#5. Former international guard Garry Gallimore (192-84) was the main contributor in a CSM Bucuresti's victory against the second-ranked Timisoara (21-7) 97-84 in the Romanian Division A last Wednesday.
He was the best player in that game. Gallimore recorded 27 points (!!!) and added 4 assists in 35 minutes.
CS Municipal Bucuresti (19-9) is placed seventh in the Division A.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
Gallimore is currently eighth on the league's list of top scorers with 18.1ppg.
This year he also averages: 4.4rpg, 2.2apg and 1.2spg in the 33 games.
Gallimore has a dual citizenship: Jamaican and Canadian.
Despite he played previously for the Canadian university national team, Gallimore is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

#6. Forward Jermaine Bucknor (199-83, college: Richmond) contributed to a s Oliver Baskets' victory against the 16th-ranked LTi 46ers (9-23) 68-57 in the German BBL on Saturday night.
He was the top player that evening. Bucknor scored 16 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
s.Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (20-12) is placed sixth in the BBL.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
Bucknor's total stats this season are: 5.9ppg and 2.8rpg.
Despite he played previously for the Canadian national team, Bucknor is also a former international player as he played for the Jamaican senior team five years ago.

#7. Former international guard Maurice Bailey (183-81, college: Sacred Heart) helped VEF Riga win their game against the closely-ranked Latvijas Universitate (12-14) crushing them 114-68 in a derby game in the Latvian LBL in Wednesday night's game.
He recorded 6 points and added 4 assists in only 10 minutes.
VEF Riga (15-1) is placed second in the LBL.
It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row.
This year Bailey's total stats are: 8.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.6apg and 1.1spg in the seven games.
He is a naturalized American.
Despite Bailey played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

#8. Forward Corey Muirhead (198-83, college: W.Carolina) was not able to secure a victory for BK Pardubice (24-12) in their game against BC Kolin (22-24) in the Czech Republic NBL.
Muirhead scored 8 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
The fourth-placed BK Pardubice was defeated 83-76 in Kolin by the lower-ranked BC Kolin (#5) in the A1 group.
Muirhead has relatively good stats this season: 10.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg and 1.1spg.
Despite he played previously for the Canadian national team, Muirhead is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

#9. Former international power forward Sherman Gay (201-82, college: Loyola Mary) was the major contributor in a Fos Ouest's victory against the 12th-ranked ALM Evreux (14-16) 68-64 in the French ProB (second division) on Friday night.
He had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 10 rebounds. Gay also added 2 blocks in 34 minutes.
Fos Ouest Provence Basket (19-11) is placed fifth in the ProB.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season.
Gay is the league's best blocker with 1.8bpg.
This year his other stats are: 15.2ppg, 6.1rpg and 1.2apg in the 30 games.
Gay is a naturalized American.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Gay is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

#10. Guard Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-86, college: Providence) helped Indios win their game against the league outsider Caciques (6-16) 89-74 in the Puerto Rican BSN in Friday night's game.
He recorded 8 points and added 3 assists.
Indios de Mayaguez (16-5) is placed first in the BSN.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
This season Efejuku has relatively solid stats: 13.6ppg, 3.3rpg and 2.6apg.
Despite he played previously for the Nigerian national team, Efejuku is also a former international player as three years ago he still played for the Jamaican senior national team.

#11. Former international center Jerome Jordan (213-86, college: Tulsa) managed to help New York Knicks in a victory against the New Jersey Nets 104-95 in the NBA last Wednesday.
He recorded only 2 points in 2 minutes on the court.
Jordan has averaged so far 1.5ppg and 1.2rpg in the 20 games.
He used to play for the Jamaican national team
six years ago.

#12. Former international forward Ronald Yates (201-83, college: St.Peter's), who plays in the Swiss LNA couldn't help Fribourg (4-1) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Yates' good performance Fribourg was defeated 83-76 in Chiasso by the lower-ranked SAV Vacallo (#5).
He was the top scorer with 14 points. Yates also added 3 passes.
Yates has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg and 1.4spg.
Yates is a naturalized American.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Yates is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

#13. Former international center Kevin Young (206-84, college: Missouri) helped Aishin Sea Horses win their game against the closely-ranked Toyota Alvark 73-70 in the Japanese JBL in Wednesday night's game.
He recorded 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 15 minutes.
Young has averaged so far 8.5ppg and 6.6rpg in the 45 games.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Young is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

#14. International forward Ryan Reid (203-86, college: Florida St.) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Mets in their game against Capitanes in the Puerto Rican BSN.
He scored only 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was his first game for Mets this season.
His team was crushed by 22 points 85-63.
Reid is a naturalized American.
He plays currently for the Jamaican national team.

Toyota Alvark tied the Final series over Aishin at 1-1. They trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 79-70. Toyota Alvark outrebounded Aishin Sea Horses 43-32 including 30 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American forward Jeff Gibbs (188-80, college: Otterbein) who scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import forward Philip Ricci (202-80, college: Oregon St.) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. The former international power forward J.R. Sakuragi (206-76, college: UCLA) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Anthony Richardson (201-83, college: Florida St., agency: TSS Management) added 13 points respectively for the hosts. Five Toyota Alvark and four Aishin Sea Horses players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers:Aishin SH: S.Kashiwagi 14+1reb, S.Asayama 14+3reb+1ast, A.Richardson 13+3reb+2ast, J.Sakuragi 12+15reb+5ast, S.Kitagawa 8+2reb+1ast, T.Furukawa 3+1reb+1astToyota Alvark: J.Gibbs 17+7reb+1ast, T.Kumagai 12+3reb+1ast, P.Ricci 12+8reb+1ast, M.Takahashi 11+8reb, K.Takeuchi 10+7reb+2ast, K.Matsui 9+2reb

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Kenan Sipahi (192-95), who plays in the Turkish TBL. Sipahi could not help Tofas (13-15) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance Tofas was edged in an overtime 81-78 on the road by the higher-ranked Besiktas (#4).
Sipahi recorded 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
This season Sipahi averages: 4.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 57.1%(24-42), 3FGP: 31.7% and FT: 64.1%.
He has a dual citizenship: Kosovan and Turkish.
Despite Sipahi played previously for the Turkish U18 national team, he is currently a member of the Kosovan senior national team.

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Erjon Kastrati (197-94). Kastrati was not able to help LTHcast Mercator (4-22) in their game against Polzela (17-9) in the Slovenian Telemach League, despite his very good performance on Wednesday night.
He was the second best scorer with 19 points. Kastrati also added 9 rebounds in 36 minutes.
But the fifth-placed LTHcast Mercator lost 75-80 at home to the leading Polzela in the Play-out group.
It was LTHcast Mercator's third consecutive loss in a row.
There are only two games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game is very crucial.
This year Kastrati's overall stats are: 5.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 22.5% and FT: 66.7% in the 15 games he played so far.
He is another player who holds two passports: Kosovan and Albanian.
Despite Kastrati played previously for the Albanian national team, he is currently a member of the Kosovan senior national team.

#3. The Kosovan player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Ulug Kacaniku (202-85). Kacaniku led Istanbulspor to an overtime victory against the 18th-ranked Tire Gucu (12-24) 87-84 in the Turkish TB2L (second division) in Sunday night's game.
He recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 10 rebounds. Kacaniku also added 3 assists and 2 blocks.
Istanbulspor (13-23) is placed 14th in the TB2L.
They ended the series of three consecutive loses.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
Kacaniku has relatively good stats this season: 14.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 39.7%, 3FGP: 39.5% and FT: 72.0%.
He has both Kosovan and Turkish nationalities.
Despite Kacaniku played previously for the Turkish national team, he is currently a member of the Kosovan senior national team.

#4. Forward Gazmend Sinani (203-91) was not able to secure a victory for Malbas (21-1) in their game against Hoganas (15-7) in the Swedish Basketettan (second division), despite his very good performance last Saturday.
Sinani was the second best scorer with 16 points. He also added 8 rebounds in 22 minutes.
But Malbas lost 73-80 on their home court in Malmo to the lower-ranked (#3) Hoganas in the South group.
This year Sinani's total stats are: 8.4ppg and 5.6rpg in the 22 games.
Despite he played previously for the Turkish national team, Sinani is currently in the Kosovan national team roster.

#5. International power forward Korab Ferizi (201-85) is a teammate of previously mentioned Gazmend Sinani. But that was another game of his team in Swedish Basketettan which we would like to mention.
Ferizi couldn't help Malbas (21-1) in their game against Nassjo (20-2). Despite his very good performance on Sunday night He was the second best scorer with 14 points. Ferizi also added 8 rebounds.
This season Ferizi has relatively solid stats: 12.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg.
Despite he played previously for the Turkish national team, Ferizi is currently in the Kosovan national team roster.

#6. Guard Dragan Pusic (193-84) managed to help Sencur Cestno Podjetje Kranj in a victory against the 12th-ranked Jance Prit (9-17) 82-73 in the Slovenian D2 (second division) in Friday night's game.
He scored only 2 points in 19 minutes.
Sencur Cestno Podjetje Kranj (20-6) is placed second in the D2.
The Regular Season already ended.
It's Pusic's first season with the team.
Pusic is currently first on the list of most steals with 2.0spg.
He also averaged so far 15.5ppg, 2.6rpg and 2.4apg in the 21 games.
Pusic is an international player who is currently on the senior Kosovan National Team roster.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Kosovan passport:

#1.Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) led Anwil to a victory over the fifth-ranked Energa Czarni (3-7) 71-55 in the Polish PLK in Wednesday night's game.
He was MVP of the game. Berisha scored 25 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 25 minutes.
Anwil Wloclawek (5-5) is placed fourth in Group A.
There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical.
Berisha has relatively good stats this year: 11.8ppg, 2.9rpg and 2.1apg in the 30 games he played so far.
He has a dual citizenship: Kosovan and Polish.
Despite Berisha's Kosovan passport, he currently plays for the Polish national team and is not eligible to play for the Kosovan team.

In a match played today, Bashkimi has defeated Futura for the fourth time this season, 69-81. The match was played at Pallati i Rinise in Prishtina. This is second win for the new coach of Bashkimi, the Montenegrin Rejhan Palamar. But the real test will be the last match of the regular season against Sigal Prishtina that will be played in the weekend.

Peja defeated Kolegji Univers narrowly 91-85, where Croatian coach, Ivica Maric, gave the chance to all the youngs in the bench. Sigal Prishtina has demolished Kosova in a match that nobody couldnt stop Arben Krasniqis boys, 121-51.

Trepca, has done the same as all the favorites by winning against Drita, and from now on theoretically the team of Agron Kurtalani, will play at Liga e Pare next season. Trepca defeated Drita 97-58. Trepca is still leading the championship, only one gameweek away from play-offs.

The game without a history. VEF Riga led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Latvijas Universitate's 32 and made 28-of-35 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. VEF Riga forced 23 Latvijas Universitate turnovers. It was a great shooting night for VEF Riga especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 53.3 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Latvijas Universitate's players. Latvijas Universitate was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international guard Sandis Valters (193-78) stepped up and scored 21 points for the winners and American guard Curtis Millage (185-81, college: Arizona St.) chipped in 18 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Five VEF Riga players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Zanis Peiners (203-90, agency: Interperformances) responded with 24 points and forward Martins Dargis (199-91) scored 19 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Top scorers:VEF Riga: S.Valters 21+1reb+3ast, C.Millage 18+2reb+3ast, T.Cain 16+4reb, A.Kavaliauskas 12+5reb+3ast, K.Berzins 11+8reb, G.Jahovics 10+5reb+6astLU: Z.Peiners 24+4reb+3ast, M.Dargis 19+7reb, M.Vitols 8+3reb+3ast, A.Osins 6+5reb+1ast, Z.Plivda 5+3reb, T.Straudovskis 2+2reb

#1. This week's number one is former international center Kaspars Cipruss (210-82, agency: Interperformances). He led BC Rakvere to a victory over the sixth-ranked Tln Kalev (12-16) 89-76 in the Estonian KML in Friday night's game.
Cipruss was MVP of the game. He scored 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 34 minutes on the court.
BC Rakvere Tarvas (19-9) is placed second in the KML.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
Cipruss is ranked fourth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best rebounders (first place).
He has individually a very good year with high stats. Cipruss averages: 16.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 2FGP: 66.2%(178-269), 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 71.3% in the 29 games he played so far.
He played for the Latvian senior national team four years ago.

#2. Second place goes to an experienced former international swingman Juris Umbrasko (197-79) is a teammate of previously mentioned Kaspars Cipruss and both played together in the last Estonian KML game.
Umbrasko was the major contributor in a BC Rakvere's victory against the sixth-ranked Tln Kalev (12-16) 89-76.
He scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Umbrasko has relatively good stats this season: 11.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 43.0%, 3FGP: 35.1% and FT: 81.1%.
He played for the Latvian national team in 2008.

#3. The Latvian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Kaspars Kambala (206-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV). Kambala contributed to an overtime Turk Telekom's surprising victory against the third-ranked Anadolu Efes (22-6) 95-87 in the Turkish TBL on Monday night.
He recorded 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 39 minutes.
Turk Telekom Ankara (12-16) is placed ninth in the TBL.
They ended the series of three consecutive loses.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
It's Kambala's first season with the team.
This year Kambala has relatively solid stats: 10.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 2FGP: 53.7% and FT: 70.5% in the 27 games.
He played for the Latvian national team three years ago.

#4. Forward Martins Berkis (198-85) was the main contributor in Svit's victory against the closely-ranked Nitra (21-11) 93-74 in the Slovakian Extraliga in Tuesday night's game.
Berkis was the best player in that game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and getting 10 rebounds.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. BK Iskra Svit (17-15) is placed fourth in the Extraliga.
This season Berkis has very high stats. He averages: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.8apg and 1.3spg.
Berkis used to play for the Latvian national team
back in 2009.

#5. Former international point guard Rinalds Sirsnins (186-85, agency: Promotex) is a teammate of previously mentioned Kaspars Cipruss. He played also in the last Estonian KML game facing Juris Umbrasko (above) in the other team.
Sirsnins contributed to a BC Rakvere's victory against the sixth-ranked Tln Kalev (12-16) 89-76.
He scored 14 points, had 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 35 minutes.
Sirsnins is ranked fifth on the list of the best passers in the league with 3.6apg.
This year he also averages: 12.1ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.6spg in the 13 games.
Sirsnins used to play for the Latvian national team
two years ago.

#6. Guard Kristaps Valters (190-81), who plays in the Spanish ACB could not help Unicaja Malaga (14-15) to beat UCAM Murcia (11-18).
He scored 9 points.
But Unicaja Malaga was defeated 86-77 on the road by the lower-ranked UCAM Murcia (#15).
It was Unicaja Malaga's third consecutive loss in a row.
Valters' overall stats this season are: 9.9ppg, 1.7rpg and 2.5apg.
He is a former international player as he played for the Latvian senior team three years ago.

#7. Former international center Raitis Grafs (208-81, college: Valparaiso) helped Siauliai win their game against the seventh-ranked Baltai Kaunas (9-13) 86-75 in the Lithuanian LKL in Friday night's game.
Grafs scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 24 minutes.
BC Siauliai (16-6) is placed third in the LKL.
It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row.
They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial.
This year Grafs' overall stats are: 7.8ppg and 3.7rpg in the six games.
He used to play for the Latvian national team
two years ago.

#8. Power forward Rolands Freimanis (207-88) helped Girona FC win their game against the 14th-ranked Basquet Mallorca (14-18) 81-73 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Saturday.
Freimanis recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 11 rebounds.
Sant Josep Girona (18-8) is placed fourth in the LEB Gold.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
Freimanis has reliable stats this season: 12.7ppg and 5.9rpg.
He plays currently for the Latvian national team.

#9. Former U20 international forward Maris Gulbis (202-85, agency: Players Group), who plays in the Portuguese LPB was not able to help Vitoria SC (9-13) in their last game. Despite Gulbis' very good performance Vitoria SC lost 70-78 in Porto to the leading FC _Ferpinta.
He was the top scorer with 28 points in 39 minutes.
Gulbis' stats this year are: 13.4ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.1spg in the 24 games.
He used to play for the Latvian U20 national team
seven years ago.

#10. Guard Kaspars Vecvagars (191-93) faced previously mentioned Raitis Grafs in the Lithuanian LKL last game.
Vecvagars, who plays in the Lithuanian LKL was not able to secure a victory for Baltai Kaunas (9-13) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance Baltai Kaunas was defeated 86-75 at home by the higher-ranked Siauliai (#3).
Vecvagars scored 10 points and added 5 assists.
The Regular Season already ended.
Vecvagars' total stats this season are: 6.3ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.4apg.
He is U19 international player who is currently on the Latvian National Team roster.

#11. International forward Davis Bertans (208-92) couldn't help Partizan in their game against Vojvodina in the Serbian A League. Bertans cannot count Wednesday's game as one of the best ones.
He scored only 2 points in 6 minutes on the court.
His team lost 85-95.
This year Bertans' total stats are: 3.9ppg and 1.4rpg in the seven games.
He plays currently for the Latvian national team.

#12. International point guard Edgard Jeromanovs (186-86) helped Norrkoping Dolphins win their game against the closely-ranked Boras Basket 92-85 in the Swedish Basketligan on Sunday night.
Jeromanovs scored 10 points and added 3 assists.
Jeromanovs has averaged so far 9.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.8apg and 1.5spg.
He is also in the roster of the Latvian national team.

#13. International swingman Gary Gandel (203-80) couldn't help Hod Hasharon in their game against Beer Yaakov in the Israeli National League (second division), despite his very good performance in Thursday night's game.
Gandel was the second best scorer with 19 points. He also added 7 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 28 minutes.
But his team lost 94-99.
Gandel has very impressive stats this year: 16.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.2apg and 1.7spg in the 27 games.
Despite he played previously for the Israeli national team, Gandel is currently in the Latvian national team roster.

#14. International guard Janis Blums (190-82) managed to help Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao Basket to win against the league outsider Blancos de Rueda 89-77 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday.
He scored only 2 points.
Blums has averaged so far 5.9ppg and 1.3rpg.
He plays currently for the Latvian national team.

#15. Former international center Andris Biedrins (213-86) couldn't help the Golden State Warriors in their game against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Biedrins cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones.
He recorded only 2 points in 7 minutes on the court.
His team lost 103-112 in the NBA.
Biedrins has averaged so far 1.7ppg and 3.7rpg in the 47 games.
He used to play for the Latvian national team
three years ago.

*****************************************************

LIGA AMERICAS

Formosa to host 2012 Final Four - by Eurobasket News

FIBA Americas has just confirmed that Formosa, Argentina will host the Final Four of the 2012 FIBA Americas League, to be held from April 27-29, with the participation of the of Obras Sanitarias from Argentina, Uniceub / BRB from Brazil, Pioneros of Quintana Roo from Mexico and the hosts of La Union of Formosa.

'We want above all to thank the four clubs, cities and governments, as all formally requested to host the Final Four and that interest makes us proud. This year we had a nice problem, that for the first time since we started making the FIBA Americas League, we received four hosting bids from four clubs that have all the capacity and tools to make a great host.', said Mr. Alberto Garcia, Secretary General of FIBA Americas. 'However, we know that with Formosa, and their entire organization, we are in good hands. This fifth edition of the FIBA Americas League Formosa will close in the best possible way.'

'We are proud to have been chosen by FIBA Americas for this tremendous event that will crown the best club from America. We are a young team in the basketball elite, but with the full support of a province and its government have achieved a lot in recent years, increasing the number of children who practice this sport.', said Mario Romay, Sports Director of the Union of Formosa. 'I want to thank FIBA Americas on behalf of La Union Formosa and the government of the Province of Formosa, and I take this opportunity to invite all people of Formosa to join us in this final run of the FIBA Americas League.'

Pieno Zvaigzdes recorded home win over Rudupis and forced the decisive third game in the series. The hosts were already 15 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 25-18 Rudupis' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 80-72 at the end of the game. Pieno Zvaigzdes dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Rudupis' 24. Rudupis was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Eimantas Bendzius (203-90) notched 20 points to lead the effort and American-Puerto Rican point guard TreVon Hughes (183-87, college: Wisconsin, agency: Edge Sports) supported him with 15 points. Four Pieno Zvaigzdes players scored in double figures. Even 17 points by swingman Adas Juskevicius (194-89) did not help to save the game for Rudupis. Forward Povilas Butkevicius (203-87) added 10 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Top scorers:Pieno Zvaigzdes: E.Bendzius 20+2reb+1ast, T.Hughes 15+2reb+1ast, S.Morgan 10+4reb+3ast, P.Morkeliunas 10, D.Leonard 10+2reb+1ast, G.Sirutavicius 5+3reb+1astRudupis: A.Juskevicius 17+1reb+2ast, A.Milaknis 11+1reb+1ast, P.Butkevicius 10+7reb+1ast, E.Zelionis 9+1reb, A.Labuckas 9+2reb, G.Orelikas 6+5reb+3ast

Neptunas overcame Siauliai at home court to stay alive in the series. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Neptunas's pressure prevailed and they won that period 33-17 extending their advantage to 17 points. They shot 64.9 percent from the field. Neptunas looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 31 personal fouls committed by Siauliai helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-85, college: Virginia) scored 27 points and 8 rebounds (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and guard Martynas Mazeika (193-85, agency: Limelight Hoops) chipped in 18 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. The former international forward Valdas Vasylius (203-83, college: ODU) responded with 30 points and 7 rebounds and guard Edvinas Ruzgas (198-87, college: TCU) scored 10 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers:Neptunas: L.Mikalauskas 27+8reb+1ast, M.Mazeika 18+4reb+3ast, M.Ruikis 12+1reb+2ast, M.Girdziunas 12+1ast, A.Viskontas 9+3reb+9ast, A.Valeika 9+3reb+1astSiauliai: V.Vasylius 30+7reb, A.Siksnius 10+1ast, R.Broadus 10+2reb, E.Ruzgas 10+2reb+1ast, V.Sarakauskas 8+4reb, D.Gvezdauskas 7

gschID: 174572

Darjus Lavrinovic selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Lithuanians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international center Darjus Lavrinovic (212-79). He led CSKA Moscow to a victory over the eighth-ranked Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (7-10) crushing them 90-66 in the Russian PBL in Tuesday night's game.
Lavrinovic was MVP of the game. He scored 18 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and made 2 blocks in a mere 15 minutes on the court.
CSKA Moscow (15-1) is placed first in the PBL.
It was his team's 11th consecutive victory in a row.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
It's Lavrinovic's first season with the team.
This year Lavrinovic averages: 8.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 2FGP: 63.0%(29-46), 3FGP: 46.2%(6-13) and FT: 81.6% in the 13 games he played so far.
He is currently a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances). Motiejunas was the main contributor in an Asseco Prokom's victory against the second-ranked Trefl Sopot (6-4) 77-73 in the Polish PLK last Sunday.
He was the best player in that game. Motiejunas recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group A. Asseco Prokom Gdynia (8-2) is placed first.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game is very crucial.
Motiejunas has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 17.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 49.5%, 3FGP: 35.7% and FT: 70.4%.
Motiejunas is in the roster of the Lithuanian senior national team.

#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79), who plays in the Italian SerieA. He could not help Montepaschi Siena (20-7) in their last game. Despite Lavrinovic's very good performance the league leader Montepaschi Siena was edged in an overtime 95-94 on the road by the second-ranked Bennet Cantu.
He was the top scorer with 21 points. Lavrinovic also added 5 rebounds in 23 minutes.
Lavrinovic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Montepaschi Siena's roster.
This season his overall stats are: 9.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 2FGP: 52.3%, 3FGP: 38.5% and FT: 87.0% in the 12 games.
Lavrinovic is also a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

#4. Forward Linas Kleiza (203-85, college: Missouri) was the major contributor in a Toronto Raptors' victory against the Boston Celtics (37-26) 84-79 in the NBA in Friday night's game.
He scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds (was perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line).
The Toronto Raptors have not so impressive 22-41 record this season.
There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
Kleiza has relatively good stats this season: 9.5ppg and 4.0rpg.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
back in 2010.

#5. International guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland) contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Aris (11-13) 83-68 in the Greek A1 last Thursday.
Jasikevicius recorded 13 points and added 5 assists in a mere 15 minutes.
Panathinaikos Athens (22-2) is placed second in the A1.
It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row.
This year Jasikevicius' total stats are: 8.0ppg and 2.9apg in the 25 games.
He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.

#6. Guard Martynas Pocius (196-86, also represented by Interperformances, college: Duke) contributed to a Real Madrid's victory against the eighth-ranked Meridiano Alicante (15-13) 91-87 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night.
Pocius scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Real Madrid (22-7) is placed second in the ACB.
Pocius has averaged so far 6.2ppg and 1.9rpg.
He is an international player who is currently on the senior Lithuanian National Team roster.

#7. Former University international center Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-84, another player represented by Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) helped VEF Riga win their game against the closely-ranked Latvijas Universitate (12-14) crushing them 114-68 in a derby game in the Latvian LBL in Wednesday night's game.
Kavaliauskas recorded 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in a mere 16 minutes.
VEF Riga (15-1) is placed second in the LBL.
It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row.
This year Kavaliauskas has relatively solid stats: 11.9ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.2apg in the 11 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team
five years ago.

#8. Center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84) helped Budivelnyk win their game against the seventh-ranked BC Odessa (22-17) crushing them 94-69 in the Ukrainian Superleague last Wednesday.
Anisimovas was the top player that evening. He recorded 19 points.
Budivelnyk Kyiv (30-9) is placed second in the Superleague.
Anisimovas has reliable stats this season: 10.4ppg and 3.8rpg.
Despite he played previously for the Ukrainian national team, Anisimovas is currently in the Lithuanian university national team roster.

#9. Former U22 international power forward Arnas Kazlauskas (204-76, agency: Court Side), who plays in the British BBL was not able to help Worcester Wolves (22-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Worcester Wolves lost 80-94 in Plymouth to the lower-ranked (#3) Raiders.
Kazlauskas was the top scorer with 23 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 40 minutes.
The Regular Season already ended.
Kazlauskas' stats this year are: 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg and 2.4apg in the 34 games.
Despite he played previously for the Ukrainian national team, Kazlauskas is currently in the Lithuanian U22 national team roster.

#10. Small forward Simas Jasaitis (201-82) helped Turk Telekom win their n overtime game against the third-ranked Anadolu Efes (22-6) 95-87 in the Turkish TBL in Monday night's game.
He recorded 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
Turk Telekom Ankara (12-16) is placed ninth in the TBL.
They ended the series of three consecutive loses.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important.
Jasaitis has averaged so far 9.4ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.1apg.
Despite he played previously for the Ukrainian national team, Jasaitis is also an international player who is currently on the senior Lithuanian National Team roster.

#11. Former U20 international forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80, college: Pittsburgh) is a teammate of previously mentioned Antanas Kavaliauskas and both played together in the last Latvian LBL game.
Zavackas helped VEF Riga win their game against the closely-ranked Latvijas Universitate crushing them 114-68 in a derby game.
He recorded 7 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 19 minutes.
Zavackas averaged so far 12.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.1apg and 1.3spg in the seven games.
Despite he played previously for the Ukrainian national team, Zavackas is currently in the Lithuanian U20 national team roster.

#12. Former international forward Simonas Serapinas (197-82) helped Telekom Baskets win their game against the league outsider BG Goettingen crushing them 99-63 in the German BBL on Sunday night.
He scored 14 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Serapinas has averaged so far 9.9ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.1apg.
Despite he played previously for the Ukrainian national team, Serapinas is currently in the Lithuanian national team roster.

#13. Former U20 international guard Mantas Cesnauskis (189-81, agency: Promotex) helped Energa Czarni edge the third-ranked Zastal ZG 83-81 in the Polish PLK in Sunday night's game.
He recorded 14 points and added 4 passes (made all of his ten free throws !!!) in 27 minutes.
Cesnauskis has averaged so far 9.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.2apg and 1.2spg in the 34 games.
Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Cesnauskis is currently in the Lithuanian U20 national team roster.

#14. Former international center Petras Balocka (205-86, college: Hawaii) helped Norrkoping Dolphins win their game against the league leader Sodertalje Kings crushing them 87-62 in the Swedish Basketligan last Tuesday.
He was the top player that evening. Balocka recorded 20 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Balocka has averaged so far 9.2ppg and 5.0rpg.
Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Balocka is currently in the Lithuanian national team roster.

#15. Former international guard Giedrius Gustas (190-80, another player represented by Interperformances), who plays in the Polish PLK was not able to secure a victory for PGE Turow (2-8) in their last game. Despite his good performance the sixth-placed PGE Turow was edged 79-76 at home by the higher-ranked (#4) Anwil in the Group A.
Gustas was the second best scorer with 12 points in a mere 18 minutes.
Gustas has averaged so far 7.1ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.5apg in the 33 games.
Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Gustas is currently in the Lithuanian national team roster.

CIBACOPA Round 22: Ostioneros de Guaymas beat Fuerza Guinda Nogales in the most crucial game of the week - by Eurobasket News

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Guaymas. Third ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas faced 4th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales. Host Ostioneros de Guaymas (17-5) defeated guests from Nogales (12-10) 95-79. The game without a history. Ostioneros de Guaymas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 80 of its points in the paint compared to Fuerza Guinda Nogales' 44. Ostioneros de Guaymas forced 19 Fuerza Guinda Nogales turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) fired 32 points and 5 rebounds (on 16-of-19 shooting from the field) for the winners. The other American import point guard Myron Allen (182-79, college: Lee JC) chipped in 18 points and 9 assists (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach LaSelle Taylor used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Jorge Mercado (200-80) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Ostioneros de Guaymas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Tijuana. Fuerza Guinda Nogales lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with ten games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas is looking forward to face Caballeros de Culiacan (#8) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will play against the league's second-placed Tijuana Zonkeys (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Leader Rayos de Hermosillo delivered the eighteenth victory. This time they crushed 6th ranked Mineros de Cananea (9-13) 110-89. Rayos de Hermosillo (18-4) have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Mineros de Cananea lost third consecutive game. Defending champion dropped to the seventh place with 13 games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo will play against Pioneros Los Mochis (#5) at home in the next round. Mineros de Cananea will play against Garra Canera de Navolato and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game with biggest result difference took place in Guasave. Local Frayles de Guasave (10-12) outscored 9th ranked Garra Canera de Navolato (7-15) 106-81 on Wednesday night. Alonso Izaguirre scored 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Matthew Gibson responded with 28 points and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Frayles de Guasave moved-up to sixth place. Garra Canera de Navolato at the other side keeps the ninth position with 15 games lost. Frayles de Guasave will meet bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic (#10) on the road in the next round. Garra Canera de Navolato will play against Mineros de Cananea and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 22 Culiacan was defeated by Los Mochis in a road game 89-83. Tijuana beat Tepic at home 95-81.

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (8-14) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (11-11) 89-83 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-83. Pioneros Los Mochis looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Seth Scott (208-81, college: Portland St.) had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) chipped in 21 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side the former international center Rodrigo Zamora (206-86, college: Montana St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and American forward Rob Robinson (203-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: SDJ Sports) scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Pioneros Los Mochis have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 11-11 record. Caballeros de Culiacan lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 14 games lost. Pioneros Los Mochis will meet league's leader Rayos de Hermosillo on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Caballeros de Culiacan will play against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#3) and hope to secure a win. Top scorers:Los Mochis: S.Scott 26+10reb+3ast, D.Pearson 21+9reb+3ast, E.Cuen 14+11reb+2ast, T.Taylor 12+6reb+3ast, C.M. Toussaint 9+5reb+4ast, J.Favela 7+4reb+5astCuliacan: R.Lopez 16+2reb+1ast, R.Zamora 16+10reb+2ast, R.Robinson 15+7reb+6ast, M.Henderson 13+2reb, L.Pulido 8+3reb+6ast, R.Navarro 6+3reb

The game with biggest result difference took place in Guasave. Local Frayles de Guasave (10-12) outscored 9th ranked Garra Canera de Navolato (7-15) 106-81 on Wednesday night. The game was mostly controlled by Frayles de Guasave. Garra Canera de Navolato managed to win second period 28-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Frayles de Guasave made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Frayles de Guasave outrebounded Garra Canera de Navolato 40-22 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) scored 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Russell Carter (196-85, college: Notre Dame) chipped in 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. Five Frayles de Guasave players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Matthew Gibson (196-84) responded with 28 points and 4 assists and Dominican-American guard Damien McSwine (193-78, college: Loyola, IL) scored 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Frayles de Guasave moved-up to sixth place. Garra Canera de Navolato at the other side keeps the ninth position with 15 games lost. Frayles de Guasave will meet bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic (#10) on the road in the next round. Garra Canera de Navolato will play against Mineros de Cananea and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Guasave: A.Izaguirre 24+6reb+5ast, C.Moore 21+11reb, R.Carter 20+9reb+5ast, V.Buelna 19+5reb+5ast, S.Spicer 10+3reb, J.Acosta 6Navolato: M.Gibson 28+3reb+4ast, J.Angel Reatiga 16+1reb+2ast, D.McSwine 15+6reb+4ast, F.Verdugo 7+5reb+7ast, M.Contreras 4, M.Godoy 3+1reb+1ast

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (17-5) defeated at home bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic (1-21) 95-81 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 48-28 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Tijuana Zonkeys forced 23 Coras de Tepic turnovers. Point guard Luis Ramirez (180-82) scored 35 points (!!!) (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!) to lead the charge for the winners and American swingman Marcus Morrison (198-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach Luis Lopez allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side American forward Ray Reese (196-87, college: Tulsa, agency: David Lee services) responded with 26 points and 9 rebounds and Kavin Young scored 24 points and 7 rebounds. Tijuana Zonkeys have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 17-5 record behind leader Hermosillo, which they share with Guaymas. Coras de Tepic lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 21 lost games. Tijuana Zonkeys will meet Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#4) on the road in the next round. Coras de Tepic will play against Frayles de Guasave (#6). Top scorers:Tijuana: L.Ramirez 35+1reb+1ast, O.Quintero 15+1reb+4ast, M.Morrison 15+12reb+3ast, E.Medina 9+5reb+2ast, C.Tate 8+2ast, D.Hugee 6+9reb+1astTepic: R.Reese 26+9reb+1ast, K.Young 24+7reb+1ast, D.Riley 12+11reb+1ast, S.Lugo 7+4reb+2ast, E.Swanson 6+3reb+3ast, H.Torres 4+1reb

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Guaymas. Third ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas faced 4th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales. Host Ostioneros de Guaymas (17-5) defeated guests from Nogales (12-10) 95-79. The game without a history. Ostioneros de Guaymas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 80 of its points in the paint compared to Fuerza Guinda Nogales' 44. Ostioneros de Guaymas forced 19 Fuerza Guinda Nogales turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) fired 32 points and 5 rebounds (on 16-of-19 shooting from the field) for the winners. The other American import point guard Myron Allen (182-79, college: Lee JC) chipped in 18 points and 9 assists (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach LaSelle Taylor used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Jorge Mercado (200-80) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and American guard Robert Jarvis (180-87, college: ORU) added 21 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ostioneros de Guaymas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Tijuana. Fuerza Guinda Nogales lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with ten games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas is looking forward to face Caballeros de Culiacan (#8) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will play against the league's second-placed Tijuana Zonkeys (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Guaymas: J.Habel 32+5reb, M.Allen 18+4reb+9ast, H.Johnson 14+3reb+4ast, R.Benitez 10+3reb+1ast, H.Carrillo 8+1reb, F.Benitez 6Nogales: R.Jarvis 21+1reb+3ast, J.Mercado 16+10reb, M.Strobbe 12+4reb+3ast, O.McCullough 11+5reb+3ast, B.Heredia 8+3reb+4ast, C.Estrada 6+2reb+1ast

Leader Rayos de Hermosillo delivered the eighteenth victory. This time they crushed 6th ranked Mineros de Cananea (9-13) 110-89. Rayos de Hermosillo (18-4) have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Mineros de Cananea lost third consecutive game. Defending champion dropped to the seventh place with 13 games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo will play against Pioneros Los Mochis (#5) at home in the next round. Mineros de Cananea will play against Garra Canera de Navolato and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the two opening matches of Round 8 there were no surprises. Two league leaders and most quality teams- Buducnost and Mornar dominated against Lovcen and Ulcinj and got confidence boost before the final play-off clashes where everybody expect to see them in the finals. Buducnost won againt Lovcen at home, in a 'used to be' Montenegrin derby (85:60). Although Dragan Radovic 's squad is very talented they have no means and force to be an equal rival to Buducnost at the moment. Actually the game was more of a clash of two titans- Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) (30 points) and Milos Lopicic (216-C-90) (24 points). They combined almost the half of the points scored last night in both teams and proved that Montenegro as a country is, and always will be strong, under the basket.

In the second game of the night Mornar defeated and humiliated Ulcinj at home- 57:98. The two Balkan League members took different paths this season. Ulcinj made a couple of steps back while Mornar still moves forward trying to prove its 2nd Force in the Country reputation. All 12 players of Mornar scored and 5 of them in double figues. The leading scorer was talented point guard Andrej Pajovic (186-G-92) with 15 points. In Ulcinj nobody really played well. Alen Djeljosevic (198-F-88) and Sinisa Tepavcevic (201-F-84) scored 11 points each.

Today at 18h is scheduled the game between Teodo and Sutjeska in Tivat

Omer Asik is making progress in a challenging season. Coming off a surprising rookie season were he proved to be one of the best defensive centers in the NBA Asiks season ended on a sour note. A broken bone in his lower leg against the Miami Heat hobbled him in the offseason and didnt allow him to prepare properly in the offseason (players get better in the summer).

The injury, the lockout and the lack of practice and a proper offseason caused him to take a step back at the beginning of this season. More than any Bull this season Asik suffered from the lack of rhythm and timing that comes from routine practice, especially the extra time that Brian Scalabrine put in with him last season.

Asik struggles appear to be behind him and he has been playing outstanding basketball the last month or so of the season. Asik has played excellent defense out to nine feet and has cut down on his unnecessary fouls. He defense down the stretch of the last Bulls victory over Miami was nothing short of spectacular. His one on one defense against Dwayne Wade when he stopped Wades penetration and blocked his shot, leading to a fast break dunk and a quick four point swing was decisive in the game against Miami. His play against an inferior Bobcats team was spectacular as well in 21 minutes he had 9 points and 15 rebounds!

He still struggles to score offensively, his shooting range is non-existent, and his free throw shooting is as bad as it gets. He still has a tendency to bring the ball down below his waste before going up strong, a troubling tendency that leads to a lot of strips and turnovers. His screens and offensive rebounding though make him an offensive weapon. His individual and help defense is excellent and his high energy game is rare for a player with such great size. His ability to impact the game off the bench has been one of the most important aspects of the Bulls surprising season that has withstood a slew of injuries.

LeBron: Winning third MVP would 'mean a lot' - by Eurobasket News

Since he was a young teen and he pasted hand-drawn pictures of Michael Jordan on his bedroom wall, LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) has been fascinated with the superstar players who came before him.

He's watched some of Magic Johnson's, Larry Bird's and Kareem Adbul-Jabbar's greatest games on ESPN Classic, he's studied Wilt Chamberlain's and Moses Malone's statistics, and he was awestruck the first time he met and had a conversation with Bill Russell.

It has given him a sense of history of the game that shapes his viewpoint and his aspirations. Right now, one of them is to join that group of Hall of Fame players.

In the final week of his ninth regular season, James has emerged as a strong contender to win his third Most Valuable Player Award. If he wins, he would be just the eighth player in history to win it three times. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the only player to win three at a younger age than James, who turned 27 in December.

James is fully aware of this historical context.

'It would mean a lot, honestly, it would mean a lot,' James said. 'If I'm able to win it this year it would be very humbling knowing the caliber of guys who have won it three times.'

'I remember me being a little, scrawny guy from Akron, Ohio, and watching so many greats either watching live or watching games, knowing and loving the history of the game and seeing the guys who have paved the way for myself. I've always respected that. I've always respected the talent that came before me.'

The difference between those players and James, of course, is that all of them had won championships by the time their careers were over. Chamberlain and Malone both won their third MVP in the year they got their first championship.

But that lack of a title to this point may not affect how the voters who select the MVP view James. In a sampling of veteran NBA journalists and broadcasters who vote, none said historical context would play a role on how they would vote on the award this year.

James' case is reasonably strong. He's averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. He's also posting career highs in shooting, 3-point shooting and rebounding. The Heat are performing at a slightly higher pace than they did last year in terms of winning percentage. And the team is 11-1 when James plays and Dwyane Wade does not.

'LeBron, to me, is the (MVP) favorite every year,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said last week. 'If he doesn't win it, it's because people are tired of voting for him.'

James' chief competition appears to be the Thunder's Kevin Durant, who is averaging 27.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists and who had his team leading the West until a recent surge by the Spurs.

Though it is generally recognized as the highest individual honor in the sport, and winning it virtually guarantees a spot in the Hall of Fame, the MVP is a regular-season award. Kobe Bryant has won it only once, but with his five titles will be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time. Shaquille O'Neal retired with just one MVP, yet won four titles.

Usually, winning the MVP comes along with championships. In fact only three MVPs have retired without winning a title: Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and Allen Iverson. Steve Nash, Derrick Rose and James are on the clock.

The title pressure on James, however, does not change whether he is a two-time MVP, a three-time MVP or if he eventually becomes a four-time MVP (only Jordan, Russell, Abdul-Jabbar and Chamberlain have done that).

For now, James said, winning the award this year would be significant because of what happened in the 2010-11 season -- not just because of the scrutiny he battled after signing with the Heat but also because he felt he got away from his personality.

At the start of this season James made it a goal to return to playing with more enjoyment instead of the anger and resentment he felt had replaced it during his first season with the Heat. Winning the MVP, James said, would be an indication that he was back to being himself.

'It would be gratifying to know that just one year removed from what I came from,' James said.

'I'm just back to playing the way I play the game, with a lot of fun and a lot of joy and just not proving anything to anyone. Last year I felt I had to prove something to people. I have no idea why. But I got to that point and it took me away from why I love the game so much and I why I love the NBA. I got away from that.

'This year I got back to my seven years in Cleveland, my four years in high school and when I first picked up a basketball at age 9. That's why I'm more excited about where I'm at today.'

Harangody was assigned to Canton on April 15th and recently took part in an extremely rare four-games-in-four-nights set while leading the Canton Charge to their first-ever playoff series victory. Already on assignment with Canton, Harangody led the Charge to a Game 1 victory over the Springfield Armor in Canton on April 13th with 16 points on 6-12 shooting (.500), nine rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes. The following day he was recalled by the Cavaliers and started at Washington, recording a double-double with 16 points on 6-11 (.545) shooting, 10 rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes in a 98-89 victory.

The Notre Dame alumnus was re-assigned to Canton on Sunday, April 15th for Game 2 at Springfield, where he scored a team-high 26 points in 39 minutes in a 125-116 overtime loss. The following night in the decisive Game 3 matchup against Springfield, he grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds and added seven points in 25 minutes in a 115-106 win. In the four games, Harangody averaged 16.3 points on .500 shooting and 8.0 rebounds in 33.8 minutes per game.

The 6-foot-8 forward has appeared in 16 games with Cleveland this season, posting averages of 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 9.7 minutes per game. He is available for the Cavaliers game tonight versus Philadelphia.

Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) will not play tonight. Prior to tonight's game, coach Tom Thibodeau had this to say about Rose: 'You know he's feeling a lot better today, but he's still not quite there. We just gotta be patient, and when he's ready to go, he'll go.'

-Of all 4 regular season meetings, only one game saw both teams at 'full strength', which was the third game, the Bulls OT win in Chicago. This was of course with Rose on the bench most of the game due to ineffectiveness. First game, no Deng. Second game, no Rose or Mike Miller. Tonight, no Rose or Bosh.

-The NBA Chapel program is a great thing.

-10 minutes before tip-off, and the arena is maybe 30% full.

-I wonder how many people in Miami are doing a Chicago-Miami doubleheader?? Cubs @ Marlins this afternoon, Bulls @ Heat tonight.

-Each Bulls win vs Miami has been inspired by great point guard play (JL3 in game 2 and CJ Watson game 3). Lucas starts 2nd quarter with pull-up 3-pointer from the wing, and follows it up with a corner 3 on next possession.

-4 minutes into 2nd quarter, and Wade has still yet to make an impression on the game.

-Asik is the worst offensive player in the league!

-Wade scores first bucket with 7:30 left in half.

-Wade is spending more time complaining to the refs than trying to get a good shot off.

One of the top returning players to the CBA this season was current ( as of this article) NBA player James Singleton. James who was on Xinjiang last season, switched teams, and signed with the Guandong Southern Tigers this season. James refined his game, and displayed more aspects of his game, such as shooting, ball handling and defense. We sat down with James Singleton, who currently plays for the Washington Wizards.

Q. You decided to come back to China after last season, what was the reason behind that?

James: Wouldn't really be a reason wanting to help my team win and gettting better

Q. You were on a different team this season in China, what did you think of this team vs last years team?

James: This years team was amazing. I had a great time with them. Everything about the team was amazing. From the coaching, to the players. I loved everything about the team and the city.

Q. You have had a tremendous amount of success in the NBA so far since you have been back with the Wizards, what do you attribute that too?

James: I credit it to a lot of different factors. Playing in the cba has helped me get past of things. From extremely bad calls, to physical and dirty plays against me. I've learned to adjust my game and my mindset to be able to score and surpass anything that any player or ref does to me. Nothing stops me now. I just keep playing.

Q. Do you still keep in touch with any of your Chinese team mates , past and present?

James: I try to i've sent a few text messages and emails to the guys.

Q. What are your plans after the NBA season?

James: After the nba season is over i'm gonna take a few days off just to let my body recover then i'm gonna get back in the gym and fine tune a few things and work on my ball handling, jumpers and post game.

Q. Lastly, do you see yourself coming back to China ?

James: There is a strong chance, but right now it's to early to tell..

Jarrod Uthoff (6'8''-F) is scheduled to meet with Wisconsin officials on Thursday, hoping to resolve a dispute over restrictions the school has placed on the freshman forwards list of potential transfer destinations.

Uthoff said school officials have notified him that he is not allowed contact with several of the high-profile programs he had hoped to speak to about a potential transfer. Uthoff is appealing the schools decision.

I just want to explore my options, Uthoff said Wednesday evening, in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Uthoffs dispute with Wisconsin took an odd turn Wednesday when The Gazette of Cedar Rapids, Iowa reported that school officials had misplaced a letter he was required to file to appeal the decision.

Uthoff told the AP that he had a friend deliver the letter to the office of associate athletic director Justin Doherty before the deadline and a secretary put it in his mailbox.

Apparently, he didnt check his mailbox, Uthoff said.

Doherty said the person who dropped off Uthoffs letter at his office last week didnt explain its importance or time-sensitive nature. After Doherty and other athletic department staff met with Uthoff to figure out what had happened, Doherty looked in his mailbox and found the letter.

Now Uthoff will meet with Doherty on Thursday regarding his appeal.

Jarrod is going to be afforded the normal, NCAA-described appeal process, Doherty said.

Although his appeal now is back on track, it was another example of Uthoff finding out that he isnt entirely in control of his search for a new school.

Uthoffs former AAU coach, Jamie Johnson, said earlier Wednesday that Uthoff recently told Wisconsin officials he intends to transfer and submitted a list of approximately 25 schools he hoped to talk to. Johnson said Wisconsin denied permission to more than half of the programs on Uthoffs list.

Johnson said Iowas Mr. Basketball from 2011 was optimistic about his appeal.

Hes hopeful, Johnson said. I think hes surprised at what has transpired.

Johnson said Uthoff will visit Creighton, one of the schools approved by Wisconsin.

Earlier, the 6-foot-8 forward told an Iowa-based high school sports website, metrosportsreport.com, that Badgers coach Bo Ryan has placed every Big Ten and ACC school, plus Iowa State and Marquette, on the list of schools that cant contact him.

According to the site, Uthoff said he would consider making an appeal to the NCAA if his appeals to Wisconsin dont work.

Well see. I might, he told the site.

NCAA rules allow a player to transfer, requiring them to sit out a year in most cases. But as Uthoffs situation shows, the process can be more complicated than simply finding a new school and filling out some forms. According to the NCAAs website, most transfers also require a permission-to-contact letter from the current school to the new school.

According to a student-athlete handbook posted on Wisconsins website, a player who intends to transfer must make a written request to the schools director of compliance for permission to speak to another institution or use the transfer exception. A coach may deny permission, and the student-athlete can appeal.

Appeals related to the denial, by a coach, of a student-athletes request to contact another institution or to use the one-time transfer exception, begin with a written request to the sport administrator for the student-athletes team, the handbook says.

If the sport administrator upholds the coachs decision, the student-athlete can appeal to athletic director Barry Alvarez. If Alvarez upholds the decision, the student-athlete can make a request to the chair of the athletic board for an appeal committee hearing that will determine whether the athletic directors decision was reasonable.

According to the handbook, the appeal committees decision is final and not subject to further review.

Although Uthoff isnt yet a high-profile player he redshirted as a freshman last season his situation is gaining national attention. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas posted on his Twitter account that Wisconsin restricting Jarrod Uthoffs transfer is simply wrong. There is no legit reason for a school to control a players destination.

Johnson wonders why players dont have more freedom to switch schools when there are few such restrictions on coaches and athletic directors.

I guess I dont understand how ADs can job-hop and coaches can job-hop ... It seems like theres a double standard out there, Johnson said.

And Johnson doesnt understand why Wisconsin might be worried about Uthoff going to another marquee program.

If you end up playing (against) him, just try to beat that team, Johnson said.

Johnson said Uthoff wants to transfer because he felt he didnt fit in with the Badgers style of play.

The Toledo men's basketball team will be banned from next year's postseason because of past academic problems after the NCAA denied the school's appeal.

The ban stems from several years of below-standard scores on the NCAA's Academic Performance Rate that a year ago cost Toledo three scholarships.

The NCAA earlier this year banned Connecticut's men's basketball team postseason because of several years of low scores, leading two members of Congress to say that the system used to enforce the NCAA standards appeared to be arbitrary and unfair.

Toledo argued that the NCAA should consider its most recent academic performance from 2011-12. It said the team's grades have exceeded the NCAA standards under second-year coach Tod Kowalczyk.

The NCAA approved rules in October requiring a school have a two-year average score of 930 or a four-year average of 900 on the APR, which measures the academic performance of student-athletes, in order to qualify for the 2013 postseason tournament.

Toledo's two-year scores from 2009-11 fell just short and the school said it would not have faced a postseason ban if the latest scores would have been considered.

'I fully support the NCAA and its efforts to improve academic integrity, but I don't believe coaches and student-athletes who are doing the right thing should be penalized like this,' Kowalczyk said.

UConn officials made a similar argument in their unsuccessful attempt to appeal its postseason ban. In addition to the ban, Toledo will be forced to give up three regular-season games and cut its practice time.

The Rockets, who haven't been to the NCAA tournament since 1980, were short three scholarships because of poor academics last season, but still managed to finish in the middle of the Mid-American Conference.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

C.J. Leslie returning to NC State basketball team - by Eurobasket News

Basketball standout C.J. Leslie (6'8''-F-91) is returning to North Carolina State for his junior season, a decision that will make the Wolfpack one of the favorites in the Atlantic Coast Conference next year.

The 6-foot-8 forward averaged a team-best 14.7 points and was second with 7.3 rebounds per game. The deadline for players to declare early for the NBA draft was April 29.

'I wanted to take my time as much as possible,' Leslie said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. 'I knew I had time. It's one of those things you can't help but to think about. I tried to take as much time as I needed and made the best decision for me.'

Leslie helped the Wolfpack (24-13) surge late in the year to reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2006. N.C. State pulled two upsets to advance to the round of 16 before losing a close game to national runner-up Kansas, but the team will return its top four scorers and add three McDonald's All-Americans for coach Mark Gottfried's second season.

'We got a little taste of it last year,' Leslie said of the attention that came with the NCAA run. 'We took it well. I know I'm going to be ready for it and I expect my teammates to be right there with me.'

Leslie said one of those incoming freshmen, Rodney Purvis, had kept the pressure on Leslie with texts and calls trying to convince him to return to school. Purvis, a guard from Raleigh, was the Associated Press men's prep basketball player of the year for North Carolina.

Still, Leslie said he was leaning toward returning to school from the start.

'It was a tough decision,' he said. 'That's a big decision to make for anybody. I just figured we started a good thing last year. I might as well finish it.'

Things move fast on the basketball court.They move just as fast off the court too.

Late on Monday night, the OTAGO NUGGETS found out they had lost their key man. Point guard MARK DICKEL had torn cartilage in his left knee and was gone for the season.

But instead of sitting around cursing and wandering what else was against them, coach ALF ARLIDGE and Basketball Otago general manager MARKHAM BROWN started making some calls.

They finally found some gold late Wednesday and confirmed yesterday the signing of former Tall Black point guard Michael Fitchett (183-G-82).

Fitchett (29) had previously played for the Nuggets and will suit up in the gold and blue strip when the side takes on the Manawatu Jets in Palmerston North tonight and the Nelson Giants in Nelson tomorrow.

Fitchett has been in and around the league for nearly a decade and his experience and ability to run the floor will be a bonus for the Nuggets minus Dickel.

Dickel is a very classy operator but Fitchett is no mug, either, and played for New Zealand two years ago at the world championships.

Born in Nelson, he was playing for the Giants last year before he left to work in Auckland.

He has not signed with any Auckland-based team this year but has been training with the Breakers.

If Fitchett can get big imports AKEEM WRIGHT and ANTOINE TISBY, who takes over from Dickel as captain, to keep up their good production then the Nuggets can continue to be competitive. The side has a 3-5 record.

Tisby needs a big game tonight against some impressive opposition.

Jets centre NICK HORVATH mounts a compelling case as the best player in the league.

He has been averaging 16.7 rebounds and 23.3 points, and had the better of Tisby when the Jets beat the Nuggets 94-75 in Dunedin last month.

Horvath took 13 rebounds and scored 24 points in a powerhouse performance. He has the advantage of a better supporting cast in forwards MILES PEARCE, MIKE HOMIK and DUSTIN MITCHELL.

They are all capable of giving the big centre a rest, whereas Tisby does not get much of a sit-down, if at all, and usually attracts multiple defenders. The Jets have a 3-3 record.

Wright is the Nuggets leading scorer and can be a little streaky.

But he is a busy and combative player and how he performs will be crucial factor in the outcome of the game.

Meanwhile, the Giants (3-5) are at a crossroads in their season but have history on their side. They have won their last 16 games against the Nuggets and have made the play-offs for eight consecutive years.

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over BARAKO BULL ENERGY, 101-90After successfully keeping the Philippine Cup last conference, Talk N Text will now have a chance to defend the Commissioners Cup. The Tropang Texters made a return trip to the finals with a hard-earned triumph over Barako Bull in their do-or-die semifinals match Wednesday night.

Old reliables Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo delivered big down the stretch, picking up from where import Donnel Harvey left off. Alapag and De Ocampos clutch baskets in the final three and a half minutes helped weather the final uprising by Barako Bull, which pushed the favored Tropang Texters in the series.

Alapags three-pointer at the 3:39 mark of the fourth quarter shoved the Tropang Texters lead up to eight, 92-84. After Tubid made back-to-back shots to give Barako Bull a lease on life, De Ocampo hit a dagger four-point play to knock the spirit out of the Energy.

The Tropang Texters have made it to the championship round for the fifth straight time. The last time to team make five straight finals appearances was the San Miguel Beermen, who entered the championship round from the 2000 Commissioners Cup to the 2001 Governors Cup.

Talk N Text raced to a big lead in the first half after getting 17 free throws attempts to Barako Bulls three. Overall, Talk N Text shot 30-of-38 from the line while Barako Bull shot just 15 overall.

But while the Tropang Texters threatened to blow the game open, Barako Bull kept the defending champions within arms reach, on the heroics of Gabe Freeman, Danny Seigle, and Ronald Tubid, who scored 22, 21, and 19 points respectively.

Import Harvey was a force all game long for Talk N Text, scoring a series-high 29 points.

Source: Game recaps were compressed and compiled from interaksyon.com/interAKTV

Texters make it to fifth straight finals - by Eurobasket News

Talk N Text - Barako Bull 101-90TALK N Text is in a very familiar place after playing the brand of game it is famous for. Rising above the physicalities and Barako Bull's tough stance, the Tropang Texters carved out a 101-90 victory Wednesday to advance to the finals of the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Donnell Harvey (203-F/C-80, college: Florida) notched gamehighs of 29 points and 14 rebounds, but it was the likes of Ranidel deOcampo (194-F-81) and Jimmy Alapag (177-PG-77, college: CS San Bernar.) who delivered the biggest blows in TNT's drive to a 3-2 win in the best-of-five semifinals duel. Now, the Texters have a chance to defend their title in their fifth straight finals stint and 13th in all, with this one a race-to-four against B-Meg starting Monday. 'It's always a special feeling to get to the finals. It never gets old,' said TNT coach Chot Reyes, who is looking for his ninth title in his 15th championship appearance. 'We had no illusions about the other team, we know they're big and they know how to play. (Energy) coach Junel Baculi put together a gameplan that gave them the best chance for winning, but it's all about which makes the shots that matter.' De Ocampo and Alapag did. Alapag's triple followed by De Ocampo's four-point play were the game's biggest points, staking TNT ahead for good, 96-88, going to the final 2:40 of play. It was a sorry loss for Barako, which went eerily silent after Ronald Tubid's back-to-back baskets pushed it within 88-92, still a good 3:00 left. In that stretch, the Energy went 1-for-8 from the field and committed one turnover. Alapag's fastbreak layup off a Ryan Reyes relay just before going out of bounds gave the Texters an inexorable 98-88 lead despite Harvey sitting on the bench since the last 4:47 mark due to five fouls. De Ocampo wound up with 18 points and seven rebounds with Jayson Castro (173-PG-86) and Jared Dillinger each had 14 points. Gabe Freeman (198-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) had 22 points and 11 boards to pace Barako. But he went scoreless in the fourth period after missing all his three tries from beyond the arc. Danny Seigle (198-F/G-76, college: Wagner) wound up with 21 points and seven boards but his foul on the jumpshooting De Ocampo in deep left corner led to the crucial four-point play. Ronald Tubid and Don Allado also gave significant contributions but Barako's fourth-place finish behind the other semifinals loser,Barangay Ginebra, was pockmarked by the sidelining of Mick Pennisi since the last 4:40 mark of the second period due to a broken nose. The injury was dealt by Dillinger, who inadvertently hit Pennisi in the face with his right elbow. Ironically, Pennisi was slapped the foul, leading to the three-point play that made it a 45-36 game. Despite the absence of Pennisi and Dorian Pena's relatively sluggish plays, Barako kept yapping at TNT's heels and came charging back from a 49-62 deficit to make a game of it. With no less than team co-owner George Chua in a rare personal attendance, the Energy kept within 74-77 after three quarters and kept within four twice in the fourth. As is his ownt, Freeman started off strong and actually strung up eight straight points that gave Barako an early 10-2 lead. But the Texters gathered their acts together and steadily worked their way back behind Harvey and Dillinger. By the time the half ended, they were up, 56-47. (NC) *Courtesy of www.pba.ph

American forward Mike Harris (198-F-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last week for San German, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 21.The 28-year old player had a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, while his team outclassed Mayaguez (#1, 16-5) with 32-point margin 107-75. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. San German maintains the 4th position in Puerto Rican BSN. San German is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-10 record. Harris just recently signed at San German, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Rice University star has very solid stats this year. Harris. Harris is in league's top in points (3rd best: 21.1ppg) and averages impressive 1.2bpg and 58.9% FGP.

The second best player in last week's games was 29-year old American Michael Sweetney (203-F-82) of league's second-best Bayamon. Sweetney had a very good evening with a double-double of 22 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as Bayamon was edged in overtime by Quebradillas (12-10) 83-82. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Bayamon still maintains its place in the top 2 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 12-10 record is not bad at all. Sweetney is one of the most experienced players at Bayamon and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last week was American forward Gilbert Brown (198-F-87, agency: VVG Sports) of Humacao (#8). Brown showcased his all-around game by recording 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the last week. He was a key player of Humacao, leading his team to a 85-81 win against slightly higher-ranked Guayama (#7, 6-15). Humacao can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 6-16 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Brown he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Brown has a very solid season. In 5 games in Puerto Rico he scored 16.4ppg.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Targu Mures trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 25-14 run in the last quarter tied the game at the end of regular time, But then they lost eventually overtime period 11-16. U-Mobitelco made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Strangely Targu Mures outrebounded U-Mobitelco 40-28 including a 15-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American Kyndall Dykes (190-87, college: New Orleans, agency: Edge Sports) who helped to win the game recording 29 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (204-82) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Dykes is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four U-Mobitelco players scored in double figures. The former international power forward Virgil Stanescu (208-77, college: S.Alabama, agency: Interperformances) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds and American guard Calvin Watson (197-85, college: N.Texas, agency: Court Side) added 16 points and 4 assists in the effort for Targu Mures. Top scorers:Targu Mures: V.Stanescu 26+11reb+3ast, L.Dumitru 16+5reb+2ast, C.Watson 16+4reb+4ast, J.Forte 9+9reb, F.Lapuste 6+7reb, M.Pekovic 5+2reb+1astU.Mobitel.CN: K.Dykes 29+9reb+7ast, Z.Krstanovic 19+4reb, D.Lawrence 13+2reb, M.Paul 12+3reb+3ast, V.Mijovic 9+3reb+3ast, J.LaGrange 4+6reb

The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But CSM Bucuresti won third quarter 21-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CSM Bucuresti was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for the former international forward Bogdan Popescu (200-78, college: Alaska-Fairb.) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 9 rebounds. Bosnian point guard Zlatko Jovanovic (181-84, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 17 points and 6 assists for the winners. Four Timisoara players scored in double figures. American center Bryson McKenzie (211-83, college: N.Illinois) replied with 26 points and 6 rebounds and Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell) added 15 points and 9 assists in the effort for CSM Bucuresti. Top scorers:CSM Bucuresti: B.McKenzie 26+6reb, G.Martinic 15+9ast, I.Bosnjak 13+8reb+2ast, E.Rhinehart 9+4reb+1ast, C.Fometescu 8+4ast, G.Gallimore 5+5reb+3astTimisoara: B.Popescu 20+9reb+2ast, Z.Jovanovic 17+3reb+6ast, B.Cuic 14+8reb+3ast, D.Archie 12+4reb+3ast, R.Sarovic 7+2reb, I.Siriscevic 5+1reb

International swingman Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Krka, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 7 (Second Stage).The 22-year old player had a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds, while his team crushed, Second Stage botton-ranked team Sentjur (#6, 0-7) with 19-point margin 88-69. Krka is placed at 2nd position in Slovenian Telemach League. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Second Stage. Krka will need more victories to improve their 5-2 record. It's Dragic's second year at Krka and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Zoran Dragic averages this season 14.0ppg and 6.7rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was young Alen Omic (213-C-92) of Zlatorog. Omic had a very good evening with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Of course Zlatorog cruised to a 59-50 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked Union Olimpija (#3, 5-2). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the top position in Championship. Zlatorog consolidated its place in top 4 of the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 3-4 record. Omic is one of the most experienced players at Zlatorog and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Kosovan swingman Erjon Kastrati (197-F/G-94) of LTHcast Mercator (#-1). Kastrati scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Kastrati's great performance LTHcast Mercator lost 75-80 to #-5 ranked Polzela. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. LTHcast Mercator can only dream about fighting for top spots in Play-out. They have rather bad season and 4-22 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Kastrati he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Kastrati has a very solid season. In 15 games in Slovenia he scored 5.9ppg.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Although his Houston Rockets are still battling for the playoffs in the NBA, Slovenian player Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) is having a phenomenal season. He had another double-double last night against Dallas Mavericks. Rockets lost the game against Nowitzki's troops but Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored 20 points and also had 10 assists. In last 10 games Dragic is averaging 20 points and 7.6 assists per game as a starter for Rockets.

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SPAIN

Carlos Jimenez spends the last season with Asefa Estudiantes - by Eurobasket News

Carlos Jimenez (205-F-76) spends the last season with Asefa Estudiantes. The Spanish player announced his retirement when the season ends. Early in August 2011 Carlos Jimenez came back to Asefa Estudiantes after 5 years with Unicaja. The last season for Unicaja Malaga (ACB) and in Euroleague averaged 6.2ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 80.0%. In Spanish League after 27 games his stats read 6.0ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.0%. Carlos Jimenez recorded 14 points last season at the Regular Season Round 5. This season his stats read 5.4 points per game. He averages 4.5 rebounds per game and 1.4 assists. Carlos Jimenez played for Spanish National Team in 1998/2008 seasons. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Defensive Player of the Year twice in 2004 and 2006.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Frank Elegar selected the top Virgin Islander playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Virgin Islanders who are currently playing abroad.

#1. This week's number one is former international center Frank Elegar (206-86, college: Drexel), who plays in the Turkish TBL. He could not help Antalya (8-20) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Elegar's good performance Antalya was defeated 95-85 on the road by the much higher-ranked Karsiyaka (#6).
He recorded 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
Elegar has relatively good stats this season: 11.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5bpg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 73.8%(45-61) and FT: 55.6%.
Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Elegar played also for the U.S. Virgin Islands national team in 2010.

#2. Second place goes to former international guard Julius Hodge (201-83, agency: Scenic Sports Group, LLC., college: N.Carolina St.). He contributed to Vaqueros' victory against one of league's weakest teams Brujos (6-15) 79-72 in the Puerto Rican BSN on Friday night.
Hodge recorded 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in 20 minutes.
Vaqueros de Bayamon (12-10) is placed second in the BSN.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
This year Hodge averages: 9.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.0apg, 2FGP: 45.9% and FT: 66.7% in the four games he played so far.
He has a dual citizenship: U.S. Virgin Islands and Antiguan.
Despite Hodge played previously for the Antiguan national team, he played also for the U.S. Virgin Islands national team in 2010.

#3. The U.S. Virgin Islands player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Jerome Gumbs (194-82, college: USF). Gumbs led Residence to a victory over the leader Musel Pikes (22-4) 80-68 in the Luxembourg Diekirch League in Saturday night's game.
He was MVP of the game. Gumbs recorded a double-double by scoring 27 points and getting 14 rebounds.
Residence Walferdange (13-13) is placed fourth in 1-6 places group.
There are only two games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game is very crucial.
It's Gumbs' first season with the team.
He has individually a very good year with high stats. Gumbs averages: 19.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 59.5%(188-316), 3FGP: 22.6% and FT: 67.8%.
Despite he played previously for the Antiguan national team, Gumbs is currently a member of the U.S. Virgin Islands senior national team.

#4. An experienced center Kitwana Rhymer (208-78, college: Massachusetts) was not able to help Brujos (6-15) in their game against Caciques (6-16) in the Puerto Rican BSN. He did not have that impressive stats last Tuesday.
Rhymer scored only 2 points, had 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 16 minutes.
Brujos lost 81-85 in Humacao to the league outsider (#8) Caciques.
It was Brujos' third consecutive loss in a row.
This year Rhymer's overall stats are: 1.3ppg and 2.0rpg in the three games.
He used to play for the U.S. Virgin Islands national team
back in 2010.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has U.S. Virgin Islands passport:

#1. Experienced Tim Duncan (211-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) led San Antonio Spurs to a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies (37-25) 107-97 in the NBA in Thursday night's game.
He was MVP of the game. Duncan had a double-double by scoring 28 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks in 35 minutes.
The San Antonio Spurs have a solid 45-16 record this season.
It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row.
It's Duncan's 15th year with the team.
Duncan has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.3ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.3apg and 1.5bpg in the 56 games he played so far.
Duncan has a dual citizenship: U.S. Virgin Islands and American.
Despite his U.S. Virgin Islands passport, Duncan previously played for the USA national team and is probably not eligible to play for the U.S. Virgin Islands team.

The last weekend of the regular season has arrived and there is plenty still to be decided and not least, the match-ups for the ever intense and exciting BBL play-offs.

With the eight teams who will enter the post season having already been confirmed, its all about positioning while for the three clubs who didnt make it, there's little doubt that Durham Wildcats, Prestige Homes MK Lions and Mersey Tigers will all want to sign off their respective campaigns with a victory.

The only certainty of the weekend is that league winners Newcastle Eagles will of course be the top seed in the play-offs and they face Cheshire Jets at Sport Central tonight in what could potentially be a dress rehearsal for coming weeks if the north-west club finish in eighth spot.

It will also be interesting to see if the champions continue to rest their big hitters as they continue preparing to try and complete the clean sweep or whether the likes of Andy Thomson, Charles Smith and Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Marquette) will return after being rested for the Eagles' previous game.

Both Guildford Heat and One Health Sharks Sheffield could also finish in the last play-off berth of course and so they will most probably want to pick up a win to avoid meeting the all conquering Eagles. The Sharks host UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders this evening and then travel to Northgate Arena to face Jets in what could be a potential crunch decider in the race to avoid the last play-off berth.

Ironically, Heat will actually wrap up their regular season with a game against Newcastle Eagles at Surrey Sports Park on Sunday in another fixture which we could see repeated in the post season. They also must head to a rampant Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders tomorrow who cruised past an inexperienced Eagles line-up a couple of days ago.

Indeed the fight for second spot is now a fascinating battle after UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders were beaten midweek by Prestige Homes MK Lions.

Its Riders who are now in the box seat since they have the head to head against Worcester and while they lost the head to head against Raiders, they would emerge victorious in a three-way tie situation if all three clubs were to incredibly finish locked on 44 points. Worcester have of course already completed their regular season fixtures a week early.

Elsewhere, pride is on the line for the bottom three teams with Mersey Tigers hosting Glasgow Rocks tonight and Durham Wildcats hoping to improve on their three wins this season over the last 72 hours of the campaign.

They also play the Rocks this weekend when they head across the border on Sunday to Kelvin Hall but not before they have entertained Prestige Homes MK Lions at Newton Aycliffe on Saturday.

Bucaneros registered two straight wins against Gigantes in LPB. They met on Monday and Tuesday.In the first game, Bucaneros celebrated 87-66victory. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) stepped up for the hosts with 24 points and 7 rebounds. He was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 36. Marcus Landry (201-F-85, college: Wisconsin) netted 18 points in this victory. In the second game, Bucaneros outplayed Gigantes 77-73. Sek Henry (193-G-87, college: Nebraska) this time was the top-scorer in victory with 16 points. Heberth Bayona (210-C-78, college: St.Francis, NY) and LeRoy Hickerson followed with 14 points each. Bucaneros will play four more games, after what the LPB regular season will officially end. As mentioned above, Bucaneros currently have 16-16 record. Gigantes dropped to 19-17.

Flamurtari wins SuperCup 2012 in the country. The team overcame Apolonia 70:61. It was the revenge for the loss in the Cup when Apolonia beat Flamurtari 67:61 in the Final. That time Enisa Semanjaku top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Adelajda Aliaj netted 15. Ivana Podrug replied with 21 points in the losing effort.

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AUSTRALIA

The X-Factor re-signs with Jayco Rangers - by Eurobasket News

The Dandenong Jayco Rangers are pleased to announce the re-signing of championship player Tegan Cunningham (185-F-88, college: Oklahoma St.). Cunningham, a crowd favourite at Dandenong Stadium affectionately nicknamed The X-Factor moved to the Jayco Rangers last season following her rookie year with the Adelaide Lightning.

Cunningham played 24 games for the Jayco Rangers in 2011/2012, averaging 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in almost 22 minutes per game, and is widely regarded as the best 6th women in the WNBL, providing Dandenong Coach Mark Wright an additional punch off the bench. We are proud to have Tegan return to the Jayco Rangers, Wright said following confirmation of Cunninghams return. She will continue her strong improvement in all facets of her game - take on a leadership role - she is a great example of what can be achieved with persistence and effort.

In her first season with the Jayco Rangers, Cunningham impressed both on & off the court and at seasons end was voted by her peers the recipient of the Janine Fielder Award as the player who team mates most enjoyed playing with, training with and who best represented the team on and off the floor.

Cunningham spoke with dandenongrangers.com today about her return to the Jayco Rangers for another season. Im excited about re-signing with the Jayco Rangers for another year. Im very happy with the way the 2011/2012 season played out and am looking forward to the opportunity of winning back to back championships in 2012/2013. When asked about what lead to her returning, Cunningham commented, I love being a part of this team, on and off the floor. Mark (Wright) improved my game considerably and I know there is still a lot more work to be done for me to reach my full potential.

The Dandenong Jayco Rangers won the 2011/2012 WNBL Championship, defeating cross town rivals Bulleen in the Grand Final. Their championship defence will tip off in October, with the 12/13 schedule yet to be released. Stay tuned to dandenongrangers.com for all Jayco Rangers updates.

Round Seven of the Bosnian top division for women (League Six) was played last weekend. Celik outplayed Zeljeznicar on the road 58-77 keeping the perfect record in the league, 7-0. Lejla Bejtic (174-F-85) and Matea Tavic (178-G-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) were the leading players in victory with 18 and 16 points respectively. Zeljeznicar (2-5) got 21 points and 9 rebs from Emina Demirovic (186-C-85). The second ranked Mladi Krajisnik (6-1) outplayed Jedinstvo (0-7) at home 79-59. Milica Deura (178-G-90) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Ivona Bogoje (193-C-76) secured a great help with 17 points and 8 rebs. Also in the last round, Sloboda cruised past Rudar on the road 61-84. Zvjezdana Gagic (169-G-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) netted 23 points in victory and Dragana Svitlica (190-C-88) added 20 points, plus 10 rebs. Round Eight is scheduled for the next weekend.

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CROATIA

Gospic CO and Novi Zagreb take 1-0 lead in the Semifinals - by Eurobasket News

First games of the Croatian league Semifinals were played last night. Gospic CO and Novi Zagreb outplayed their rivals for 1-0 lead in the series. As expected, Gospic destroyed Pleter 116-70. The hosts took control on their rivals from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 27-13, 26-20, 34-18, 29-19. Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86) top-scored in victory with 21 points and Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) helped with 17. Julie McBride (165-G-82, college: Syracuse) and Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) added 16 and 13 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Martina Jazic (185-F-90) was better than the others with 20 points. Second game is scheduled for Saturday, when Pleter will be the host. Novi Zagreb outplayed Jolly 75-66 for 1-0 lead. Quarters: 14-12, 22-18, 13-20, 26-16. Second game is scheduled for Sunday and Jolly will be the host. The format is best-of-three.

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international forward Evanthia Maltsi (180-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas), who plays in the Polish PLKK. She could not help CCC Polkowice (22-4) in their last game. Despite Maltsi's very good performance CCC Polkowice lost 77-85 on the road to the lower-ranked (#3) Lotos Gdynia.
She was the top scorer with 28 points in 36 minutes on the court.
Maltsi has relatively good stats this year: 12.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3FGP: 35.3% and FT: 86.8% in the 31 games she played so far.
She is currently a member of the Greek senior national team.

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Katie Douglas (185-79, college: Purdue), who plays in the Russian PBL. Douglas was not able to help Nadezhda Orenburg (13-5) in their last game on Monday. Despite her good performance Nadezhda Orenburg was defeated 73-67 in Ekaterinburg by the leading UMMC.
Douglas was the second best scorer with 13 points. She also added 7 rebounds.
It's Douglas' first season with the team.
This year Douglas has relatively solid stats: 12.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 38.7%.
She is a naturalized American.
Despite Douglas played previously for the USA university national team, she is currently a member of the Greek senior national team. Douglas used to play for Ano Liosa in Greek league.

#3. The Greek player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Vicky Volonaki (179-80). She was not able to secure a victory for Orion-GDKO (10-16) in their game against Cravic Reus (8-18) in the Spanish LF2 (12th division), despite her very good performance on Saturday night.
Volonaki was the top scorer with 20 points. She also added 7 rebounds in 28 minutes.
But the 11th-placed Orion-GDKO lost 55-61 at home to the lower-ranked (#13) Cravic Reus in the Group B.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
This year Volonaki's overall stats are: 9.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 46.1% and FT: 84.0% in the 18 games.
Despite she played previously for the USA national team, Volonaki played also for the Greek national team in 1999.

#4. Forward Zoi Dimitrakou (188-87, also represented by Josep and Nicolas) couldn't help Charleville-Mezieres (23-8) in their game against Arras (10-16) in the French LFB.
She scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Charleville-Mezieres was defeated 71-67 on the opponent's court by the much lower-ranked Arras (#11).
The Regular Season already ended.
Dimitrakou has reliable stats this season: 12.0ppg and 3.8rpg.
Despite she played previously for the USA national team, Dimitrakou is currently in the Greek national team roster.

#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international center Judit Kajdacsi (192-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group). She was the major contributor in Brasov's victory against one of league's weakest teams Iasi (3-27) 68-53 in the Romanian D1 in Thursday night's game.
Kajdacsi had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 16 rebounds. She also added 3 assists in 40 minutes on the court.
BC Galactica Olimpia Brasov (1-7) is placed fourth in the D1.
It's Kajdacsi's first season with the team.
Kajdacsi is the league's best rebounder with 13.7rpg.
She also averaged so far 10.9ppg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 51.2%, 3FGP: 12.5% and FT: 74.7% in the 27 games she played so far.
Kajdacsi played for the Hungarian senior national team two years ago.

#2. Second place goes to former international center Petra Ujhelyi (192-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: S.Carolina). She contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Energa Torun (17-9) crushing them 82-54 in the Polish PLKK last Thursday.
Ujhelyi scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (25-1) is placed first in the PLKK.
It was her team's 13th consecutive victory in a row.
This season Ujhelyi averages: 6.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 45.2% and FT: 54.0%.
She played for the Hungarian national team in 2009.

#3. The Hungarian player who performed third best last week abroad was former University international swingman Judit Fritz (183-87, college: St.Francis, NY), who plays in the Italian A2 (12th division). Fritz could not help Borgotaro (5-20) in their last game. Despite her very good performance the 14th-placed Borgotaro lost 62-69 on the road to the much higher-ranked (#4) Milano in the North group.
Fritz was the top scorer with 19 points. She also added 5 rebounds in 36 minutes.
It was Borgotaro's third consecutive loss in a row.
Fritz's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical.
Fritz has relatively good stats this year: 11.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, 3FGP: 25.7% and FT: 90.1%(73-81) in the 25 games.
She played for the Hungarian university national team three years ago.

#4. Power forward Anna Vadja (191-84, also represented by Josep and Nicolas) managed to help Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca to win against the 12th-ranked Argon Uni Girona (16-16) 69-58 in the Spanish LFB in Friday night's game.
Vadja scored only 3 points.
Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca (23-3) is placed third in the LFB.
It was her team's fifth consecutive victory in a row.
Vadja's overall stats this season are: 4.5ppg and 4.2rpg.
She is also Hungarian national team player.

#5. International guard Angela Delmis (176-75) contributed to a Herner TC's victory against the third-ranked SG BBZ Opladen (14-6) 64-55 in the German 2.Bundesliga (12th division) last Sunday.
Delmis scored 9 points in 16 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group North. Herner TC (19-1) is placed first.
It was her team's eighth consecutive victory in a row.
This year Delmis' overall stats are: 6.1ppg, 1.5rpg and 2.5apg in the 19 games.
She has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Hungarian.
Despite Delmis played previously for the Serbian national team, she is currently in the Hungarian national team roster.

#6. Guard Diana Adela Pop (168-71) was not able to help TSV 1880 Wasserburg (11-11) in their game against SV Halle Lions (11-11) in the German DBBL. Pop did not beat the league record on Sunday evening.
She recorded only 2 points.
TSV 1880 Wasserburg was defeated 65-59 in Halle by the lower-ranked SV Lions (#7).
Pop has been at the team for eight years.
Pop belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #5.
Her total stats this season are: 4.6ppg, 3.7rpg and 3.2apg.
Pop is an international player who is currently on the senior Hungarian National Team roster.

Maccabi Ashdod grab the first win in the Finals beating Ramle 58:56. Elitzur Ramla was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American Plenette Pierson (188-81, college: Texas Tech) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds. Her fellow American import guard Tamera Young (188-86, college: JMU) contributed with 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American center Le'Coe Willingham (183-81, college: Auburn, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 12 points and 9 rebounds and the former international point guard Laine Selwyn (172-81, college: Pittsburgh) added 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Elitzur Ramla. Top scorers:Maccabi Ashdod: T.Young 18+8reb+2ast, P.Pierson 15+13reb+3ast, N.Kolodny 8+4reb+3ast, B.Elohim 5+3reb+1ast, A.Shields 5+6reb+1ast, B.Denson 5+4reb+2astElitzur Ramla: T.Wright 13+4reb+2ast, L.Willingham 12+9reb+3ast, A.Beard 8+1reb+1ast, A.Harris 8+10reb, L.Selwyn 7+8reb+4ast, K.Levitsky 4+3reb+1ast

Only one day left in both groups (North and South) to the regular season ending: the first eight teams of each group will move to the playoffs; the last in standings will be relegated in the incoming Development Championship (A3); the teams among the 10th and 13th place will move to playout (to avoid another relegation); the 9th place-team will stop the season right there.

In Northern group Vigarano (Magdalena Kozdron (179-G-80)) and Bologna will battle at distance for the first place; Borgotaro has already relegated in A3; Biassono, Alghero Bolzano and Collegno are the four team sure to make playout.

In Southern Group Termocarispe La Spezia is largely favourite for the first place; Ancona and the two Napoli outfits will contend each other the last two playoff spots.

In Northern group every game will be played concurrently at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21th; in Southern group at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 22th.

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KAZAKHSTAN

Astana Tigers draw first blood in D1 Finals - by Eurobasket News

Astana Tigers claimed the opening win in the D1 title series. They overcame Irtysh Pavlodar at home court 89:68. Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86) came up with 27 points to lead the winners. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first three quarters. The Tigers led by one after ten minutes 19:18. The margin grew at 2-point mark at halftime 37:35. Astana managed to boost the gap at 5-point mark at the final intermission 59:54. Irtysh ran out of steam in the fourth frame. The hosts capitalized triggering a 30:14 run and escaping with the win at the end. Kisileva posted 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Elena Hustnitdinova (172-G-85) accounted for 10 points in the victory. Angelina Yuskova (170-G-90) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds for Irtysh. Anna Vinokurova (191-C-92) contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds in the loss. In the meantime BC Almaty surged ahead in the consolation final series. They defeated Okzhetpes away from home 76:65 behind 20 points from Stanislava Fedotova (175-G-87). Julia Udarceva (175-F-90) finished with 19 points for BC Almaty. Alisa Ievtushenko (191-C-89, agency: LBM Management) had 27 points for Okzhetpes.

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KOSOVO

Playoff Semifinals: Sigal Prishtina blasts Trepca in Game One - by Eurobasket News

The Playoff Semifinals in Kosovan top division for women started last night. Sigal Prishtina had no mercy for Trepca 74-34 taking 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-three and teams will meet again next weekend. Trepca will be the host of Game Two. The other pair is Penza Peja - Bashkimi. They will meet in Game One tonight. Penza was the regular season champion in A1. The Peja team had impressive 14-0 record. It is expected that Penza and Sigal will meet in the Kosovan league Finals this season. Sigal was No.2 of the regular season with 10-4.

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LUXEMBOURG

Liz Schmitz extends contract in Belgium - by Eurobasket News

Liz Schmitz (180-F-88) will stay in Belgium for another season. The Luxembourgish forward has extended the contract with Jeugd Gentson. It will be the second straight season with Jeugd Gentson for the player. She tallied 7.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game last season. Previously Liz Schmitz had stints with Contern, Exma BBTL, Ros Casares Letzebuerg, Dexia Namur, Monceau Charleroi. Liz Schmitz was the member of Luxembourg U18 National Team. She has been the member of Luxembourg National Team since 2007.

Second stage of the Montenegrin top division for women is officially over. Buducnost ended it as No.1 with impressive 10-0 record. In the last round the Podgorica team blasted Lovcen 82-46. Roling Niksic finished as the second ranked team with 8-2 record. They outplayed Primorje in the last round 100-59. Last night, Antivari lost at home to Rudar 36-48. Buducnost and Roling advanced to Playoff Finals and they will fight for the Montenegrin league title. It will be best-of-three series. Buducnost will be the host of Game One, which is scheduled for today. The series will go to Niksic after that and if necessary it will return to Podgorica for third crucial game.

O'Banion, who spent the past four years at Memphis -- including the previous two as the associate head coach -- will be introduced at a news conference Thursday.

She replaces Bob Lindsay, whose contract wasn't renewed after the season. The Golden Flashes went 6-21 this past year. It was only the third losing season in 23 years under Lindsay, who went 418-256 at the Mid-American Conference school.

O'Banion also was an assistant at Minnesota from 2003-07 before heading to Memphis. She played at Boston College, helping the Eagles to NCAA berths in 1999 and 2000.

The school said she will be formally introduced on Friday. KRIV-TV first reported the hiring.

The 49-year-old Cooper-Dyke has been a college coach since her playing career ended in 2003. As a player, she helped Southern Cal win back-to-back NCAA championships in 1983 and 84, then led the United States to the gold medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

She guided the now-defunct Houston Comets to four WNBA championships, leading the league in scoring three times.

Cooper-Dyke was named the head coach at Prairie View in 2005, and the program made its first NCAA tournament in her second season. Shes coached North Carolina-Wilmington for the past two seasons, leading the Seahawks to back-to-back appearances in the WNIT.

The time Tennessee Lady Vols and women's basketball fans have dreaded for months finally has arrived.

Pat Summitt is stepping aside as Tennessee's head coach after 38 seasons, the last an emotionally draining farewell tour for the woman who won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball history.

'I've loved being the head coach at Tennessee for 38 years, but I recognize that the time has come to move into the future and to step into a new role,' the 59-year-old Hall of Famer said in a statement issued Wednesday by the school.

Summitt will discuss the move, including the promotion of longtime assistant Holly Warlick as her replacement, at a Thursday news conference on the court named in her honor the night she won her 1,000th game. Making the decision had been only a matter of time since Summitt revealed Aug. 23 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type.

It's why players from opposing teams joined fans from coast to coast donning T-shirts saying 'We back Pat' and greeted Summitt with cheers at every game. Even the Murray State men put shirts with the phrase on when they played at Summitt's alma mater in Martin this winter on another court named in her honor.

But Summitt's every move was studied to see how she felt, down to how many officials she yelled at or her icy glares at a player. After losing to eventual national champ Baylor in a regional final, Warlick's tears during the postgame news conference gave a glimpse of how exhausting the season had been and the possibility it was Summitt's last game.

Mickie DeMoss, who served as Summitt's assistant for 21 years combined before leaving for the WNBA's Indiana Fever earlier this month, said she's happy for Summitt.

'Her health and well-being are most important to me,' DeMoss said. 'She now can focus on doing things for Pat. She has given 38 years to UT and to women's basketball. Now, she can do what's best for herself, every day. I'm happy for my friend, and happy that she can begin a new chapter in her life.'

Summitt will report to athletic director Dave Hart in her new role, while assisting the program she guided to eight national titles since taking over in 1974.

'She is an icon who does not view herself in that light, and her legacy is well-defined and everlasting,' Hart said. 'Just like there will never be another John Wooden, there will never be another Pat Summitt . I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role. She is an inspiration to everyone.'

Her responsibilities will include helping with recruiting, watching practice, joining staff meetings, helping coaches analyze practice and games, and advising the Southeastern Conference on women's basketball issues and mentoring players. Summitt also will be working as a spokeswoman in the fight against Alzheimer's.

'If anyone asks, you can find me observing practice or in my office,' Summitt said. 'Coaching is the great passion of my life, and the job to me has always been an opportunity to work with our student-athletes and help them discover what they want. I will continue to make them my passion. I love our players and my fellow coaches, and that's not going to change.'

UConn coach Geno Auriemma said Summitt's vision for women's basketball and her relentless drive pushed the game to a new level, making it possible for the rest to accomplish what they have.

'In her new role, I'm sure she will continue to make significant impacts to the University of Tennessee and to the game of women's basketball as a whole,' Auriemma said.

'I am thrilled for (Warlick) as this opportunity is well deserved and Pat will be a huge asset to her moving forward,' he said.

Warlick, a three-time All-American who played for Summitt, was her assistant for 27 years.

Hart said he watched Warlick grow this season under what he called 'unique circumstances' and that she is deserving of the head job. While Summitt devoted more attention to her health, Warlick took the lead during games and handled postgame interviews, with the entire staff handling recruiting and practices.

'Her mentor will be available for insight and advice, but this is Holly's team now,' Hart said.

Warlick said she was thankful for all Summitt has done in preparing her for this opportunity as her coach, mentor and friend.

'We will work as hard as we possibly can with the goal of hanging more banners in Thompson-Boling Arena,' Warlick said.

Tamika Catchings, one of Summitt's former stars and the WNBA's reigning MVP, saw the news on TV during a meeting.

'Everyone in the back of their minds was thinking this was going to happen anyway. Holly will do a good job,' Catchings said.

Summitt's diagnosis came during one of the Lady Vols' most disappointing stretches - by their coach's lofty standards, anyway. Tennessee hasn't won a national championship since 2008 and hasn't even reached the Final Four, tying for its longest such drought in program history.

'As I've said many times, Pat Summitt is a pioneer in basketball,' Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. 'Her amazing career accomplishments are among an elite group of leaders. Very few people leave a lasting legacy in their chosen professions and Coach Summitt has done just that at the University of Tennessee and in women's basketball. She raised the level of commitment, pride and notoriety of her sport. I am honored to call her a friend.'

Tennessee's five seniors were part of the team that lost in the first round of the 2009 NCAA tournament, the only time in school history the Lady Vols had bowed out on the first weekend.

Those seniors promised they would win a ninth national championship this season - not just for Summitt, but as center Vicki Baugh put it, ' ... for everyone who has Alzheimer's.'

But they couldn't make it back to the Final Four, losing to Baylor and Brittney Griner, a player Summitt couldn't convince to come to Knoxville.

During her time, Tennessee never failed to reach the NCAA tournament, never received a seed lower than No. 5 and reached 18 Final Fours.

'Words cannot adequately describe the extraordinary career that Pat Summitt has had in the world of basketball,' Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer said. 'She is a model of class and courage, and I don't think that enough can be said for just how much Pat has accomplished in building and elevating women's basketball to its current heights.'

Every Lady Vol player who has completed her eligibility at Tennessee graduated under Summitt, and 74 former players, assistants, graduate assistants, team managers and directors of basketball operations are currently among the coaching ranks at every level of basketball.

'You think about the University of Tennessee and you think of Pat Summitt ,' Catchings said. 'You don't think of anyone else. The great players that have come and gone, coaches that have come and gone, but the legacy that she built for herself and for the university. It's amazing how far women's basketball has come. Her legacy isn't over yet.'

Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women Basketball League First Deepwater basketball club is set to consolidate her position on the log of the league with the second phase set to dunk-off Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara State.

First Deepwater basketball club leader of the first phase held in Kaduna is gunning for her third straight title and a place in the August/ September FIBA Africa Zone-3 elimination slated for Liberia arrived Ilorin on Monday and has since settle down awaiting the commencement of hostility with former champion First Bank basketball club as her biggest challenger.

The Coach Lateef Erinfolami tutored side won all six games played during the first phase with an 88-81 points win over First Bank in Kaduna are in high spirit to complete the job of retaining the Nigeria league title.

Confident coach Erinfolami told our correspondent before the team depart Lagos Monday that the team will left off from where they stopped in Kaduna which saw them decision Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure by 81-64 points on the last day in Kaduna but will not underrate any team during the second phase.

Club chairman, Babatunde Babalola urge the players and their handlers to earn the title at the close of the second phase so as to make the third phase in Lagos a mere formalities.

Reigning league most valuable player Nkechi Akashili says, the players are rearing to go, the former Delta Force basketball club of Asaba left-handed Combo guard believed First Deepwater basketball club has completed the Order of Change in Nigeria women basketball scene compare what obtains in the past where First Bank basketball club dominated for close to a decade with little or no opposition.